Ecclesiastes 2:26

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Translations sourced from the public-domain WEB, KJV, and ASV. See all sources.

“For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.”

— WEB

“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.”

— KJV

“For to the man that pleaseth him [God] giveth 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 pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”

— ASV

Cross-references

Related verses via the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous."
Job 27:16-17 "Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare clothing as the clay;"
Proverbs 28:8 "He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor."
John 16:24 "Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full."
Isaiah 3:10-11 "Tell the righteous “Good!” For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds."
2 Chronicles 31:20-21 "Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he did that which was good, right, and faithful before Yahweh his God."
Colossians 3:16-17 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, s…"
Proverbs 3:13-18 "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding."

Commentary

True, literally, in the Jewish theocracy; and in some measure in all ages (Job 27:16-17; Pro 13:22; Pro 28:8). Though the retribution be not so visible and immediate now as then, it is no less real. Happiness even here is more truly the portion of the godly (Psa 84:11; Mat 5:5; Mar 10:29-30; Rom 8:28; Ti1 4:8). that he--the sinner may give--that is, unconsciously and in spite of himself. The godly Solomon had satisfaction in his riches and wisdom, when God gave them (Ch2 1:11-12). The backsliding Solomon had no happiness when he sought it in them apart from God; and the riches which he heaped up became the prey of Shishak (Ch2 12:9). Earthly pursuits are no doubt lawful in their proper time and order (Ecc 3:1-8), but unprofitable when out of time and place; as for instance, when pursued as the solid and chief good (Ecc 3:9-10); whereas God makes everything beautiful in its season, which man obscurely comprehends (Ecc 3:11). God allows man to enjoy moderately and virtuously His earthly gifts (Ecc 3:12-13). What consoles us amidst the instability of earthly blessings is, God's counsels are immutable (Ecc 3:14). Next: Ecclesiastes Chapter 3

— Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary (public domain)

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