Ecclesiastes 2:26

“For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.”

Context:Ecclesiastes is a book written by King Solomon, who reflects on the vanity and meaninglessness of life without God. In the preceding verses, Solomon speaks about his pursuit of pleasure, wealth, and accomplishments, only to find them empty and unsatisfying. In Ecclesiastes 2:26, Solomon contemplates God’s distribution of wisdom, knowledge, and joy.

God’s Provision:Solomon acknowledges that God is the ultimate source of blessings. He recognizes that it is God who gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who are good in His sight. This highlights the importance of seeking God’s favour and living according to His principles. The Lord is pleased to bless those who walk uprightly and align themselves with His will.

The Sinner’s Fate:Solomon contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the sinner. While God bestows blessings upon the righteous, the sinner is given “travail” or toil. The sinner’s labour is aimed at accumulating wealth and possessions, but ultimately, they are not satisfied. The sinner’s toil becomes an exercise in futility.

Redistribution of Wealth:Solomon observes that the sinner’s labour is in vain because God may allow him to accumulate wealth, only to eventually pass it on to someone who is good before God. This suggests that worldly wealth and possessions are not ultimately satisfying or enduring. God has the power to determine the distribution of wealth, and it is futile to strive after it apart from God’s favour.

Vanity and Vexation of Spirit:Solomon concludes this verse by stating, “This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” This recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes emphasises the overarching theme of the book: the futility and emptiness of life apart from God. Solomon recognises that the pursuit of worldly wealth and possessions, disconnected from a relationship with God, is ultimately meaningless and frustrating.