Ecclesiastes 8:15

"So. commend pleasure, for there is nothing good for. man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun."I commend pleasure" -i.e. enjoyment. Obviously Solomon isn't commending. life of sinful pleasure, for he has already noted that it won't be well for the sinner (Ecclesiastes 8:13). In addition, this is the type of pleasure, enjoyment, feasting, drinking and happiness, which is in harmony with. life lived for God, "the days of his life which God has given him". Compare with Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 5:18 and 1 Kings 4:20. "this is not Epicurean hedonism based on despair but is. note of submission. Man cannot control or predict adversity or prosperity; however each day's joys should be received as gifts from God's hand and be savored as God permits (Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 5:19)" (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 997). It is sad that many of us are so influenced by the world's thinking that we cannot look at the phrase "drink and to be merry" without thinking of the type of drinking or the type of drink that results in intoxication. It is sad that many people in the world believe that "merry" can't be experienced when one is sober.

"and this will stand by him in his toils" -This life will be filled with toils, hard work, troubles and trials, the best. man can do is have with him through it all an appreciation for what he does have-a cheerful and optimistic outlook. "and to keep this up as he goes toiling through the life God gives him" (Mof).

Point To Note:

Far from being. bleak and miserable existence, the life of the believer is to be optimistic and cheerful. In view of our eternal reward, we can make the best of our temporary hardships, and then God advises us to make the most of the good times, to relish and really enjoy the physical blessings which come our way. We should enjoy and appreciate good food, festive occasions, times of celebration and rejoicing. These are not moments to be squandered. In other words, God is saying, "Life is too short to spend all your time at the office". (Philippians 4:10-13).