Ecclesiastes 7:3

7:3 Sorrow ¹  is better than laughter,

because sober reflection ²  is good for the heart. ³ 

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Enjoy Life to the Fullest under the Fear of God

11:9 Rejoice, young man, while you are young, ⁴ 

and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.

Follow the impulses ⁵  of your heart and the desires ⁶  of your eyes,

but know that God will judge your motives and actions. ⁷ 

[7:3]  ¹ tn NEB suggests “grief”; NJPS, “vexation.”

[7:3]  ² tn Heb “in sadness of face there is good for the heart.”

[7:3]  ³ tn Or possibly “Though the face is sad, the heart may be glad.”

[11:9]  ⁴ tn Heb “in your youth”; or “in your childhood.”

[11:9]  ⁵ tn Heb “walk in the ways of your heart.”

[11:9]  ⁶ tn Heb “the sight.”

[11:9]  ⁷ tn Heb “and know that concerning all these God will bring you into judgment.” The point is not that following one’s impulses and desires is inherently bad and will bring condemnation from God. Rather the point seems to be: As you follow your impulses and desires, realize that all you think and do will eventually be evaluated by God. So one must seek joy within the boundaries of God’s moral standards.