Wise Investment and Enjoyment in Life
Know here is far more than intellectual perception; it is that grasp of truth which corrects and moulds the life. It ‘has an element of acknowledgement. But it also has an element of emotion, or better, of movement of will.’ The Preacher’s use of a command, not merely a statement, implies that there is a danger of indifference to or neglect of God’s kingship and judicial activity.
The ‘vanity’ of the world easily induces in us ‘vexation’, which hinders the joyful life of faith. The danger is that ‘vexation’ over the enigmas and irritations of life will grip the ‘heart’ and that disillusionment will lead to cynicism. Thus the negative counterpart to rejoice (v. 9) is remove vexation from your heart. It makes its resting-place in the inner personality of the foolish (7:9). If we are to live a life of joy, we must learn to cope with cynicism at its root.
This text with its contrast between heart and flesh, the inner and outer aspects of human life, emphasizes physical weakness. Thus the exhortation is to remove the physical barriers to joy as far as possible. No premium is placed on physical hardships as such. If the removal of bodily pain or discomfort is within reach, it should be taken.