Therefore he draws the same conclusion that he drew in the preceding chapter.
- I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13. also that it is God’s gift to man that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil.
This can be understood satisfactorily on the basis of what has been said above. He wants to say: There is nothing better for a man in such a disastrous business than to enjoy the things that are present and to have a happy and joyful heart, without anxiety and care about the future. But the ability to do this is a gift of God. “I can teach this,” Solomon says, “but it is not in my ability to do it or to grant that it be done.” He shows what is to be done, and at the same time he teaches where it is to be obtained. He teaches that our cares only bring affliction, but he urges that we call upon God to take away these cares and to give success and peace of heart. (Luther’s Works, v.15 p.54)