The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. … For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. … There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: …  A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. … I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. … When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. … Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. … A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.

May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. … Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy. … Come and share your master’s happiness!

Ge 30:13; 1Ki 4:20, Es 8:16; Pr 15:13, Ec 3:1, Ec 3:4, Ec 3:12-13, Ec 7:14; Ja 5:13, Ec 11:9, Ec 2:24-26; Ps 68:3, Es 5:14, Mt 25:21

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.