King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 7:14 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 7:14 in the King James Version says “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the oth... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. set: Heb. made

Ecclesiastes 7:14 · KJV


Context

12

For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. defence: Heb. shadow

13

Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

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. set: Heb. made

15

All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

16

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? destroy: Heb. be desolate?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Preacher counsels balanced perspective on providence: '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.' The Hebrew 'tovah' (טוֹבָה, prosperity/good day) and 'ra'ah' (רָעָה, adversity/evil day) represent life's ups and downs. The command to 'be joyful' in prosperity and 'consider' (ra'eh, רְאֵה, see/reflect) in adversity gives different counsel for different seasons. God sovereignly ordains both blessing and trial—'set the one over against the other' (zeh le'ummat zeh, זֶה לְעֻמַּת זֶה). The purpose: 'that man should find nothing after him'—humans cannot predict the future or control outcomes. This cultivates dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency. The verse teaches response to providence: receive good with gratitude, hardship with reflection, recognizing God's sovereignty in both.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom generally promised that righteousness produces prosperity and wickedness brings calamity. Yet experience (and Job's witness) complicated this formula. Ecclesiastes introduces realistic nuance: righteous people face both prosperity and adversity, and God ordains both. This doesn't mean God authors evil, but that He sovereignly permits trials serving His purposes. Joseph recognized this: 'ye thought evil... but God meant it unto good' (Genesis 50:20). Jesus taught that God 'maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust' (Matthew 5:45). Paul learned to be 'content in whatsoever state' (Philippians 4:11). The Reformers emphasized God's comprehensive sovereignty—nothing escapes His governance, and He works all things for His people's good (Romans 8:28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to prosperity—with grateful joy acknowledging God's gift, or presumptuous self-congratulation?
  2. How do you respond to adversity—with reflective trust seeking God's purposes, or bitter resentment questioning His goodness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבְי֥וֹם1 of 21

In the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְט֔וֹב2 of 21

be joyful

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הֱיֵ֣ה3 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְט֔וֹב4 of 21

be joyful

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּבְי֥וֹם5 of 21

In the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רָעָ֖ה6 of 21

of adversity

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

רְאֵ֑ה7 of 21

consider

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

גַּ֣ם8 of 21
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת9 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זֶ֤ה10 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְעֻמַּת11 of 21

the one over against

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

זֶה֙12 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עָשָׂ֣ה13 of 21

also hath set

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים14 of 21

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל15 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּבְרַ֗ת16 of 21

the other to the end

H1700

a reason, suit or style

שֶׁלֹּ֨א17 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמְצָ֧א18 of 21

should find

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הָֽאָדָ֛ם19 of 21

that man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אַחֲרָ֖יו20 of 21

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

מְאֽוּמָה׃21 of 21

nothing

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 7:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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