Science has done a study on when we are the happiest across our lifetime.1 “Researchers noted the two most important years when happiness peaks: ages 23 and 69.” I missed that one. Well, I think I actually missed both.
Eccl 2:26: “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness.” [NIV]
Eccl 2:26: “For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight.” [NKJV]
Vine’s Expository Dictionary2 defines the Hebrew word for happiness / joy used here. It is simchah (a noun). It is found 94 times in biblical Hebrew. Simchah is both a technical term for the external expression of “joy” [Gen 31:27], and a representation of the abstract feeling of “joy.” [Deut 28:47]
Vines adds that in another use this noun signifies the entire activity of making a feast before God: “And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth.” [Neh 8:12]
I guess if you are a person who pleases God, happiness is not limited to a certain year or two. It doesn’t just peak at 23 and again at 69 and then fade into non-existence. True happiness / joy comes from pleasing God and from making a feast before Him.
So, if you are like me and you missed those natural peaks of happiness at ages 23 and 69, take heart! You can have a peak of happiness that lasts as we feast with God for all eternity!
2 Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
