Nothing Better than Rejoicing in Works - Ecclesiastes 3:22

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon asked, “Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, And the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-two of his book Solomon said, “there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works”, where we read,

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works: for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

The verse reads, “Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works:” Solomon began with the words, “wherefore I perceive” or “therefore, then and for this reason I, Solomon, consider, inspect and behold” “that there is nothing better” which means “that there exists not anything more agreeable, pleasant, precious and excellent”, “than that a man should rejoice” or “than that a person ought to be glad, exult and make merry” “in his own works” which means “within his, the person’s, own personal acts, deeds, undertakings and pursuits”. Solomon understood that not one things exists that exceeds a person being gladdened and made merry by their own acts and deeds. 

The verse goes on to say, “for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?” Daniel continued with the words, “for that his portion” or “because, since and on account that, rejoicing in his own works, exists as his, the person’s, share, part and territory”: “for who shall bring him to see” which means “because, since and on account that what person will cause him, the person to behold, inspect and consider” “what shall be after him” or “that which will exist following him, the person”? Solomon said “rejoicing in his own works” exists as a person’s share, and he asked what person would cause them to behold that which will follow them. 

When we meditate upon Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he concluded that not one thing exceeds a person being made glad and merry by their own acts and deeds, and he declared that to be their share as he questioned what person would be able to behold that which shall follow them. We must remember that Solomon was considering life on the earth only, and his view is limited to only what he beholds in this life. God knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen in the temporary and eternal lives of people. God wants us to live with Him forever, and because sin has separated us from a personal relationship with Him, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for us through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit to guide us into His truth and empower us to live in keeping with His truth for all eternity. 

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon say, “I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".