Ecclesiastes 7:14
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The text highlights that both good times and bad times are intentionally "set" by God. This isn't random; it's a divine balance designed so that we can't predict what's coming next, keeping us reliant on Him rather than ourselves.
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Teacher, Koheleth, is reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life, contrasting periods of success with times of hardship. He advises embracing joy in good times and thoughtful consideration during difficult ones, reminding us that both are divinely orchestrated. This perspective is meant to curb human pride and prevent us from trying to map out or control what lies beyond our present experience.
Life throws both sunshine and rain. How can we truly savor the good times without worry?
Solomon, the wisest king, tells us to 'be joyful' in the 'day of prosperity.' This isn't about reckless abandon, but a deep thankfulness for God's blessings. It's about fully experiencing the good gifts He provides, acknowledging they come from His hand. The scholars point out that this is about 'making the best of the present,' fully enjoying what God gives you, rather than letting anxieties about the future steal your peace.
When life gets tough, it's easy to despair. What's the wise response in difficult times?
The verse shifts dramatically, urging us to 'consider' in the 'day of adversity.' This means to pause, reflect, and think deeply. It's not about just enduring hardship, but actively seeking God's hand in it. The ancient commentators highlight that 'consider' implies taking stock: why is this happening? What is God teaching me? It’s a call to learn from the challenges, to grow through them, rather than being broken by them. God allows these times for us to gain wisdom we wouldn't otherwise find.
Why does life swing between good and bad? There's a profound reason behind the mix.
The core insight here is that 'God has made the one as well as the other.' This is a monumental statement! It means that both prosperity and adversity are within God's sovereign plan. They aren't random occurrences. The scholars emphasize that this divine ordering is designed so that 'man may not find out anything that will be after him.' This doesn't mean we can't learn anything from life, but rather that our complete future—beyond our present experiences and understanding—remains in God's hands. This keeps us from becoming arrogant in good times or utterly despairing in bad, forcing us to rely on Him constantly. It’s a reminder that only God knows the full picture, and our role is to trust His overarching plan.
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Understand the original words
tobah · Hebrew Noun
Describes a state of being successful, flourishing, or having ease; commonly associated with God's temporal blessings.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to difficult circumstances, distress, trouble, or evil; a time of testing or calamity.
This passage echoes the sentiment that both good and bad come from God, prompting Job's profound acceptance: 'Shall we indeed accept good from God and not adversity?'
Romans 5:3-5This passage shows how adversity itself can be a tool God uses to build endurance, character, and hope within us, aligning with the 'consider' aspect of Ecclesiastes 7:14.
Philippians 4:11-13Paul's ability to be content in all circumstances, whether prosperity or hardship, demonstrates the deep contentment that arises from recognizing God's hand in all things, a key takeaway from this verse.
Ecclesiastes 3:22This verse shares the theme of enjoying the present, as it asks, 'Then why not enjoy your work? For what happens after you die? No one can tell.'
This passage from the Apocrypha draws a direct parallel, stating that God has set good against evil, life against death, and the righteous against the sinner, mirroring the structure and idea of divine balance in Ecclesiastes 7:14.
wesleyEcclesiastes 7:14: "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him."
7:14 Be joyful - Enjoy God's favours with thankfulness. Consider - Consider that it is God's hand, and therefore submit to it: consider also why God sends it, for what sins, and with what design. God also - Hath wisely ordained, that prosperity and adversity should succeed one another. That - No man mi…
clarkeEcclesiastes 7:14: "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him."
In the day of prosperity be joyful - When ye receive these temporal gifts from God, enjoy them, and be thankful to the Giver: but remember, this sunshine will not always last. God has balanced prosperity and adversity against each other; and were it not so, how many would put the former in the place of…
The text highlights that both good times and bad times are intentionally "set" by God. This isn't random; it's a divine balance designed so that we can't predict what's coming next, keeping us reliant on Him rather than ourselves.
The Teacher, Koheleth, is reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life, contrasting periods of success with times of hardship. He advises embracing joy in good times and thoughtful consideration during difficult ones, reminding us that both are divinely orchestrated. This perspective is meant to curb human pride and prevent us from trying to map out or control what lies beyond our present experience.
The Teacher, Koheleth, is reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life, contrasting periods of success with times of hardship. He advises embracing joy in good times and thoughtful consideration during difficult ones, reminding us that both are divinely orchestrated. This perspective is meant to curb human pride and prevent us from trying to map out or control what lies beyond our present experience.
"In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him." — The text highlights that both good times and bad times are intentionally "set" by God. This isn't random; it's a divine balance designed so that we can't predict what's coming next, keeping us relian…
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Last reviewed October 2026
