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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/21_Ecc_09_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 9:7 - Enjoy Your Portion in This Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:6">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 9:7 <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New International Version</a> Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Go then, eat your bread in gladness and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Go your way, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a cheerful heart [if you are righteous, wise, and in the hands of God]; for God has already approved and accepted your works. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So be happy and enjoy eating and drinking! God decided long ago that this is what you should do. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Go, enjoy eating your food, and drink your wine cheerfully, because God has already accepted what you've done. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Go ahead--eat your food and be happy; drink your wine and be cheerful. It's all right with God. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Go ahead and enjoy your meals as you eat. Drink your wine with a joyful attitude, because God already has approved your actions. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Go, eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, because God has already approved your works. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Go your way--eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Go your way—eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a glad heart, for already has God been pleased with your works. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Go, eat with joy thy bread, and drink with a glad heart thy wine, for already hath God been pleased with thy works. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Go eat in joy thy bread, and drink thy wine in a good heart; for already God was satisfied with thy works.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Go then, and eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness: because thy works please God. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, go and eat your bread with rejoicing, and drink your wine with gladness. For your works are pleasing to God. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Go, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart, because it is now that God favors your works. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Come now, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God is pleased with your works. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Come, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a good heart, because God is pleased with your works!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, And drink thy wine with a merry heart; For God hath already accepted thy works. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Go, eat thy bread with mirth, and drink thy wine with a joyful heart; for now God has favourably accepted thy works. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1708" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Enjoy Your Portion in This Life</a> 7<a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">Go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ĕ·ḵōl (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: laḥ·me·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">your bread</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: bə·śim·ḥāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">with joy,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: ū·šă·ṯêh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">and drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: yê·ne·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">your wine</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">with a cheerful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: ḇə·leḇ- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3528.htm" title="3528: ḵə·ḇār (Adv) -- Already. From kabar; properly, extent of time, i.e. A great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto.">has already</a> <a href="/hebrew/7521.htm" title="7521: rā·ṣāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be pleased with, accept favorably. A primitive root; to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt.">approved</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">your works:</a> 8Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/22-13.htm">Isaiah 22:13</a> But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a> Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19</a> Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a> A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a> wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a> Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25</a> Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a> You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Romans 14:17</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-7.htm">Deuteronomy 12:7</a> There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. <a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-11</a> On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ... <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a> A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a> You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God now accepts your works.go<a href="/genesis/12-19.htm">Genesis 12:19</a> Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.<a href="/mark/7-29.htm">Mark 7:29</a> And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.<a href="/john/4-50.htm">John 4:50</a> Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.eat<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24-26</a> There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God… <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12,13</a> I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life… <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a> Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.for<a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4,5</a> And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: … <a href="/exodus/24-8.htm">Exodus 24:8-11</a> And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words… <a href="/luke/11-41.htm">Luke 11:41</a> But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/42-9.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Accepteth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Already</a> <a href="/job/29-11.htm">Approved</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Cheerful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Enjoyment</a> <a href="/psalms/147-11.htm">Favors</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-20.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Happiness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-3.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/hosea/8-13.htm">Accepteth</a> <a href="/songs/2-12.htm">Already</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-36.htm">Approved</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-19.htm">Cheerful</a> <a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Enjoyment</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-13.htm">Favors</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-17.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Happiness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-2.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 9</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">like things happen to good and bad</a> 4. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">there is a necessity of death unto men</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Comfort is all their portion in this life</a> 11. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">God's providence rules over all</a> 13. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">wisdom is better than strength</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Go This imperative suggests an active response to life. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it reflects the Preacher's (traditionally Solomon) advice to embrace life despite its uncertainties. The call to "go" implies a departure from passivity and an engagement with the present moment, aligning with the biblical theme of living purposefully (<a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a>).Eat your bread with joy Eating bread symbolizes the basic sustenance of life. In ancient Israel, bread was a staple, representing God's provision (<a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Exodus 16:4</a>). The emphasis on joy suggests a heart of gratitude and contentment, echoing the sentiment found in <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a>, where Paul speaks of being content in all circumstances. This joy is not merely emotional but a deep-seated satisfaction in God's provision.And drink your wine with a cheerful heart Wine in biblical times was a common beverage, often associated with celebration and blessing (<a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a>). The cheerful heart indicates a state of inner peace and satisfaction, which is a gift from God (<a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a>). This phrase encourages believers to enjoy God's gifts responsibly, reflecting the joy of the Lord as their strength (<a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a>).For God has already approved your works This assurance of divine approval suggests that God delights in His creation enjoying life within His ordained boundaries. It reflects the biblical principle that God takes pleasure in the well-being of His servants (<a href="/psalms/35-27.htm">Psalm 35:27</a>). Theologically, it points to the idea that righteous living, in accordance with God's will, is pleasing to Him (<a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a>). This approval is not based on human merit but on living in alignment with God's purposes, reminiscent of the approval seen in the life of Jesus, who always did what pleased the Father (<a href="/john/8-29.htm">John 8:29</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often seen as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned as king. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The capital city of Israel and the center of Jewish worship. It is the place where Solomon built the temple and where he would have written or compiled his wisdom literature.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/embrace_joy_in_daily_life.htm">Embrace Joy in Daily Life</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7</a> encourages believers to "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved your works." This suggests that God delights in our enjoyment of His provisions. We should find joy in the simple pleasures of life, recognizing them as gifts from God. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_approval.htm">Understanding God's Approval</a> The phrase "for God has already approved your works" implies that God’s favor is upon those who live righteously. It is a reminder that our daily activities, when aligned with God’s will, are pleasing to Him. <a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_gratitude.htm">Contentment and Gratitude</a> The verse encourages contentment with what we have. By enjoying our meals and daily activities, we cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging God’s provision in our lives. <a href="/topical/b/balance_in_life.htm">Balance in Life</a> While Ecclesiastes often speaks of the vanity of life, this verse highlights the importance of balance—enjoying life while maintaining a focus on God’s eternal purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_9_7_contradict_self-denial.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 emphasizes enjoyment of life; does this contradict New Testament calls for self-denial and sacrifice? </a> <a href="/q/does_god_oppose_human_happiness.htm">Is God opposed to human enjoyment and happiness?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_eccl._7_1_value_life_biblically.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 says the day of death is better than the day of birth—how does this not undermine the inherent value of life found elsewhere in the Bible? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_'cast_bread'_yield_results.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is 'casting bread upon the waters' supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) Accepteth.--The thought has been expressed before (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm" title="There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm" title="Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.">Ecclesiastes 8:15</a>), that earthly enjoyment is to be received as given by God's favour.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 7-12. - These verses give the application of the facts just mentioned. The inscrutability of the moral government of the world, the uncertainty of life, the condition of the dead, lead to the conclusion again that one should use one's life to the best advantage; and Koheleth repeats his caution concerning the issues and duration of life. Verse 7. - Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy. This is not an injunction to lead a selfish life of Epicurean pleasure; but taking the limited view to which he here confines himself, the Preacher inculcates the practical wisdom of looking at the bright side of things; he says in effect (though he takes care afterwards to correct a wrong impression which might be given)," Let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die" (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a>). We have had the same counsel in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13, 22</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15</a>. Drink thy wine with a merry heart. Wine was not an accompaniment of meals usually; it -was reserved for feasts and solemn occasions. Bread and wine are here regarded as the necessary means of support and comfort (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:19</a>; <a href="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">1 Samuel 16:20</a>, etc.). The moderate use of wine is nowhere forbidden; there is no law in the Old Testament against the use of intoxicating drinks; the employment of such fluids as cordials, exhilarating, strengthening and comforting, is often referred to (comp. <a href="/judges/9-13.htm">Judges 9:13</a>; <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a>; <a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6, 7</a>; Ecclus. 31:27, 28). Thus Koheleth's advice, taken even literally, is not contrary to the spirit of his religion. For God now (long ago) accepteth thy works. The "works" are not moral or religious doings, in reward of which God gives temporal blessings, which is plainly opposed to Koheleth's chief contention in all this passage. The works are the eating and drinking just mentioned. By the constitution of man's nature, and by the ordering of Providence, such capacity of enjoyment is allowable, and there need be no scruple in using it. Such things are God's good gifts, and to be received with reverence and thanksgiving; and he who thus employs them is well-pleasing unto the Lord (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Go, לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk eat אֱכֹ֤ל (’ĕ·ḵōl) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat your bread לַחְמֶ֔ךָ (laḥ·me·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain with joy, בְּשִׂמְחָה֙ (bə·śim·ḥāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> Blithesomeness, glee and drink וּֽשֲׁתֵ֥ה (ū·šă·ṯêh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe your wine יֵינֶ֑ךָ (yê·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> Wine, intoxication with a cheerful ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good heart, בְלֶב־ (ḇə·leḇ-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction God הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has already כְבָ֔ר (ḵə·ḇār) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto approved רָצָ֥ה (rā·ṣāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7521.htm">Strong's 7521: </a> To be pleased with, to satisfy a, debt your works: מַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃ (ma·‘ă·śe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go your way--eat your bread with joy (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>