12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 3:12

New International Version

12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

English Standard Version

12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;

The Message

12 I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life.

New King James Version

12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,

New Living Translation

12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:11-15

(Read Ecclesiastes 3:11-15)

Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us. We have the world so much in our hearts, are so taken up with thoughts and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time nor spirit to see God's hand in them. The world has not only gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against the beauty of God's works. We mistake if we think we were born for ourselves; no, it is our business to do good in this life, which is short and uncertain; we have but little time to be doing good, therefore we should redeem time. Satisfaction with Divine Providence, is having faith that all things work together for good to them that love him. God doeth all, that men should fear before him. The world, as it has been, is, and will be. There has no change befallen us, nor has any temptation by it taken us, but such as is common to men.