Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

You will Never Work Another Day of Your Life

For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:20

There’s a common saying you may have heard that goes like this: “If you find a job doing something you love, you will never work another day in your life.” The idea behind this statement is that when you are employed doing what you are passionate about, especially when it lines up with your God-given talents and purpose, it doesn’t feel like labor, but rather a joyful expression of who you are meant to be.

Examples of this idea can be seen in musicians who live to create music, in writers who find joy in crafting words, and in teachers who have a heart for shaping young minds. In my case, I get to work in ministry, which often feels like an extension of worship. I get to go to church every day, which is what I love to do and love and encourage others. (Also what I love to do.)

The scripture passage today presents a deeper perspective on work, wealth, and fulfillment. The writer reminds us that striving for riches alone is meaningless, for those who love money will never have enough. He warns against the endless pursuit of wealth, noting that it often leads to worry, restlessness, and dissatisfaction. Instead, he highlights the gift of God: to enjoy one’s work and the simple blessings of life. True satisfaction is not found in accumulating wealth but in recognizing that everything we have is from God and is to be enjoyed with a heart of gratitude.

Here are some ideas you can consider for putting this passage into action in your personal situation:

1. Find Joy in Your Work – Whatever your job may be, ask God to help you see it as an opportunity to serve Him and others. Approach each day with a mindset of gratitude rather than obligation.
2. Avoid Chasing Wealth as an End Goal – Money itself is not evil, but when it becomes the main focus of life, it leads to emptiness. Work hard and be responsible, but don’t let how much you make or material possessions define your purpose or happiness.
3. Recognize God as the Source of Your Blessings – Instead of constantly striving for more, take time to enjoy what you already have. Contentment comes from acknowledging that all good things come from God.
4. Embrace Rest and Gratitude – Don’t let work consume your life. Make space for rest, family, and moments that bring joy. Celebrate the small blessings that God has given you.

Here is how you can begin today:

• Start by shifting your perspective on work. Instead of seeing it as a burden, Ask God to show you your purpose in your current role and how you represent Him each day.
• Ask Him for wisdom on how to balance ambition with contentment.
• Each day, take a moment to thank God for the ability to work, for the provision He has given, and for the joy He wants to bring into your life.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that wealth and work, when pursued apart from God, will only lead to emptiness. But when you acknowledge Him as the source of your provision and embrace the joy He gives, work becomes more than just a job, it becomes a calling and an opportunity to honor Him. True fulfillment is not found in the size of a paycheck, but in the contentment of knowing that God keeps us busy with the joy of our hearts. Whether you love your job or find it difficult, remember that God has placed you there for a reason. Trust Him, seek Him, and embrace the joy that He provides in all seasons of life.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; So what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes?

12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.

13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.

14 But those riches perish through misfortune; When he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.

15 As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came; And he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand.

16 And this also is a severe evil, just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind?

17 All his days he also eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and sickness and anger.

18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.

19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.

20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.