Reading the Word
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 (ESV)
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Understanding and Applying the Word
In light of the reality of death, which Solomon has been writing about previously, he encourages his readers to go out and enjoy life. He mentions that “God has already approved what you do.” This does not mean that God approves of whatever one may do, whether good or evil, but that God has already approved that we should enjoy the good gifts that he gives us. Solomon tells us that we should wear our finest clothing and anoint our heads with oil. Enjoy life because it will quickly come to an end. This is just reality.
This life is fleeting, but we must not forget that it is a gift from God to be enjoyed. There are many wonderful things we experience in our few years. We must take the time to smell the roses, eat good food, play with our children, enjoy our spouses, and give glory to God for it all. And as we are reminded of the goodness of life and the reality of death, let that point us to Jesus Christ who promises eternal life to all who will trust in him.
**If you enjoy reading Shaped by the Word, please consider sharing this post on social media. Doing so helps us reach a larger audience. Thanks for reading!
Follow Shaped by the Word on WordPress or Facebook.
Shaped by the Word 
One thought on “Enjoy Your Life”