Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Solomon seems pretty cynical in Ecclesiastes. In his observations, like seems pointless.

Work hard, invest wisely, do great things and you're still going to die like the lazy, poor wicked bum.

So what's the point?

Why bother working hard? Why not be lazy?

You work hard and are tire at the end of the day.

You save your money and your kids squander it when you die.

But his cynicism turns to encouragement.

"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toils - this is God's gift to man" (Eccl 3:12-13).

It's not about being rich or poor.

It's not about being well educated, or a high school dropout.

It's not even about being a hard worker or a lazy bum.

It's about doing what pleases God.

God has given us commands about caring for others.

He has given us the ability to be joyful by giving us purpose in life.

He provides for our physical needs.

He gives ut the ability to work.

All these things are gifts from God, so using them the way He desires, brings glory to Him.

It's fatalism that says, "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die."

But satisfaction: "Eat, drink and be merry, for God is good."