Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: A Gospel Call to Bold Enjoyment

by Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.

Surprising Wisdom for Living Well in a Broken World

Enjoying the human journey through this world can seem impossible. So much is going wrong in these dark days. And the daily personal demands never let up. Who has the time—much less the freedom of heart—to play, to laugh, to delight? What's more, those following Christ can also feel duty-bound to live in sacrificial austerity.

But God's strategy for wise living includes bold enjoyment. In fact, any "Christianity" that feels embarrassed about enjoying God's good gifts dishonors him and leaves Christians with less to give their suffering world.

With a pastor's heart, Ray Ortlund invites listeners to embrace God's strategy for facing reality and living well. Meditating on Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, Ortlund explains how following Christ here in this world is a nuanced mix of both suffering and happiness. Ecclesiastes is a gospel call to accept the suffering and to savor the happiness—and savor it boldly.

Delivers a Gospel Call to Pastor Ray Ortlund reminds listeners that God not only allows us enjoyment but even commands it Wise Offers an extended meditation on Ecclesiastes 11:9–10, enriched with personal anecdotes and wisdom from Christians of the past Affirms the actual joys God has placed in everyday life, defying today's cynical and sometimes hyperspiritual culture

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Audiobook, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

Pastor Ray Ortlund received a B.A. from Wheaton College, Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, M.A. from The University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Pastor Ortlund served as Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, from 1989-1998. He was ordained by Lake Avenue Congregational Church, Pasadena, California, in 1975

In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.

Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.

Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."

Reviews

[Whitney Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and it felt like sitting under Ray's (my former pastor) teaching again, hearing his voice in every chapter. His insights on the book of Ecclesiastes are both encouraging and compelling, and it stirred a desire in me to live with greater joy and courage. Highly recommend!

[Maggie Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I wish I had it when I was in my early 20s. “The prosperity gospel cannot face the futility of this life the severity gospel cannot accept the pleasures of this life. But if you have settled into the joyous wisdom of Ecclesiastes, you are now following Christ into freedom, gratitude, contentment, adventures, and bold enjoyment-all by His grace.”

[Jonathan Kidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wholesome book

[Brandon Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thoughts and tips just about life in light of the gospel in general.
Would've been nice if it was released before I preached a sermon on joy last week.

[Crosby Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Ray 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books educate; others inspire. Ray Ortlund’s book, Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, does both. Drawing from decades of pastoral wisdom, Dr. Ortlund leads readers down the joy-filled path of Ecclesiastes. His hope is that each traveler will discover that life is both short and good—not either/or. Life is but a radar blip on the map of history, yet it is also an enthralling ride.

The author urges readers to take Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 11:9–10 seriously. Therefore, we must rejoice. We must set aside trivial concerns and enjoy each day as a marvelous gift from God. “Let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth,” writes Solomon. Our task, then, is to savor the small things and delight in ordinary blessings, knowing that God has given them to us for our enjoyment and his glory. Amidst the joy, however, stands the sobering reality that “God will bring you into judgment.” This truth should steady us and remind us that life is fleeting and eternity is near.

One of the great strengths of this book is its emphasis on the goodness of God’s creation (1 Tim. 4:4). Because God created all things good, we are free to enjoy his gifts with gratitude. Ortlund delights in this reality while also warning against the dangers of excess and indulgence. The principle of balance and moderation is central here—something many Christians would do well to consider carefully.

Enjoying God’s good gifts is a foretaste of what believers will experience on the New Earth. Accordingly, the author continually directs the reader’s gaze heavenward. Enjoyment. Delight. Joy in Christ. These themes, which we taste now and will experience fully in the age to come, are woven throughout this excellent little book. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry is a joyful reminder of our rich inheritance in Christ. Our task is to recognize it, revel in it, and ensure that the gospel shapes every attitude and action.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Debbie Channell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If you have settled into the joyous wisdom of Ecclesiastes, you are now following Christ into freedom, gratitude, contentment, adventure and life enjoyment- all by his grace. You are now repositioned to walk through this tragic world into his radiant presence. You will walk in surrender to him offering everything you have, and you will walk in openness to him receiving everything he gives. You will deepen in humility, and you will soar in wonder. You will long for Heaven, and you will savor earth. You will weep more, and you will laugh more. You will suffer nobly, and you will dance joyously. You will live by faith, and you will die with hope. And a lot more.

As you enjoy some great times in your way to Heaven, you will also love brokenhearted people in this world. You will point them to Jesus. And his joyous wisdom, now yours, will become theirs too. Not a bad life, right? Yes, it’s short, but it’s also good. Really good. Enjoy.”

[Sheridan Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wholesome! Felt like sitting at a coffee shop with a wise old man. It was hard to read a book about joy while in a season marked acutely by grief and burden but very thankful for it. I think I would love to reread it in a few months to really soak in the sweetness of the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10!

[Haley Hoggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic book was very much compelling! There was profound wisdom to be gleaned from the pages of this book. When reading this book, I just couldn’t stop smiling. It’s been a long time since I couldn’t put a book down. We have much to be joyous about! Life is short, but life truly is sooooo good! May we take risks and remember the prize!

[Coley Mangano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, biblical, refreshing perspective on the gift and freedom of Christian enjoyment of life in light of eternity. Highly recommend!

[Jacob Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Ryan Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little read on Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. I like Ray Ortland's writing style, it's very conversational and friendly. That doesn't stop him from really digging into the heart of this passage and the good news it gives to us. I feel like this is a great book to lend or recommend to a friend, it's short and easily readable. Enjoyed, might re-read again

[Sophia Jesson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-timed read! Short, encouraging, challenging - everything you want in a book 😆

I haven't read anything from the Ortlund family, but this has convinced me to start exploring other things they have written.

[Natalie Davey]

An encouraging reminder to me, and maybe some of my other reformed friends, that life in God’s world is not all doom and gloom. Look up, weary Saints—our King is coming soon!

[Taliah Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and believe it’s a message the church needs today!

Reflecting on Ecclesiastes 11:9–10, Ortlund reminds readers that God not only permits enjoyment but even commands it as part of wise living. It’s a needed reminder that delight, laughter and rest are not distractions from faith but part of God’s good design. He encourages believers to receive God’s gifts with gratitude and resist a version of faith that is afraid of joy!

Now go and:

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬ ‭

•••

“The prosperity gospel cannot face the futility of this life. The severity gospel cannot accept the pleasures of this life. But if you have settled into the joyous wisdom of Ecclesiastes, you are now following Christ into freedom, gratitude, contentment, adventure, and bold enjoyment—all by his grace.”


Loved this quote he included from C. S. Lewis:

“There is no good trying to be more spiritual than God. God never meant man to be a purely spiritual creature.”

Thank you, Crossway, for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Libby Valerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

My my my, such a sweet book. Christians have freedom to enjoy their life under the sun in light of life in heaven to come!

[Alex McEwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This probably started out as a wonderful sermon idea. I don’t think it was that good of a $17 book. These prices got Ortlund eating, drinking, and being merry at a 3 Michelin Star restaurant couple times a week for a few years.

I’m on the record sharing my strong support for the revival of the tract and the short book. And so I was super excited to see a short little offering from Ortlund. That said, I don’t know if he had enough space to develop the ideas in a new and interesting way.

At its core the book is basically an exposition Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. Each short chapter examines one aspect of the verses and develops it in a way you would expect a sermon to do. In that way the book is super pastoral and even sermonic. The work invites us to examine how both suffering and joy belong to the full life of Christ.

Take the $17 and put it towards a nicer bottle of wine next time you’re at the grocery store, cook a fancier meal than you typically do, and have some friends over for dinner and round out the evening in a game of cards and sharing prayer requests. You will have spent maybe a little bit more money, and maybe have spent more time than just reading the book. But you will have learned the exact same lessons but maybe in a more enjoyable way.

[Evan Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

A short, thoroughly pastoral walk through some of the ideas found in Ecclesiastes about youth, enjoyment, and God's good gifts.

Toward the end of the book Ortlund contrasts the prosperity gospel (a Christianity that assumes riches and earthly blessings will be unleashed upon all truly faithful believers) and the severity gospel (a Christianity that assumes all truly faithful believers must reject all earthly frivolity and pleasures for a somber spiritual life.)

In the end, what Ortlund is proposing is that the more we understand and love God the more we ought to find joy, contentment, and delight in His good earthly gifts, and if our desire for spiritual rigor has us forgoing or overlooking all earthly pleasure we have found the ditch on the other side of lascivious living.

[Ethan Moehn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I love Ray Ortlund and always learn from him when I read or listen to what he’s been thinking about. His interview recently on Truth Unites on this topic is excellent, and costs infinitely less than this book.

While there were many nuggets of wisdom in this book, it felt too short and lacked cohesion at points. It felt like equal parts Don’t Waste Your Life and Eugene Peterson (third way?). I have no doubt if the book was 50 pages longer that Ortlund could have excavated ground more thoroughly and treated this topic with more nuance.

[Carly Weems · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow so beautiful and so good!!! Such a good blend of practicality and doctrine. Ortland does such a good job of using Ecclesiastes to show how the Lord is parceling us joy in the midst of a hard world. EVERYONE READDDD

[Lauren Wicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes yes yes. will be rereading this every year. Ortlund reminds us that God’s wisdom for us in this life is to enjoy it despite it being tainted and fleeting. This feels like the best kept secret and antidote to this life..

[Samuel Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ortlund, and I love this subject. This just fell in as too light a treatment.

[Kamrie Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

reads like a long ray instagram caption or like he’s just talking to you with a big smile on his grandpa face and you know what! it works for me! nothing groundbreaking but lovely!

[Megan Jensen Cleveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little listen with Trent while we road trip!

[Klara Olthoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this bold call to enjoyment in Christ. It’s interesting to realize how hesitant many of us are to this, as we know our hearts deceive us, though we are truly free to enjoy! Yes, all is created good, all is marred by sin, and all can be redeemed!

It was also sweet to hear this narrated by Ray himself, which allowed me to get a feel for his heart and burden for this subject - as though he were speaking directly to the listener.

[Hannah Mignard · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Audiobook*- a short, encouraging read on Ecclesiastes! Recommend! 🎊🎊🎊🎊

[Wagner Floriani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read

[Edwin Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No matter how unwilling you are to live, you are going to live and like it! Begone, you thoughts of the devil! To hell with dying and death!" - Martin Luther. it’s probably the best way to describe this. as someone who’s usually not really in the mood of reading Ecclesiastes, Ray Ortlund helped me see it in an encouraging, uplifting kind of way. Life’s too short, and God continuously encouraging to live and to live well is a thing of beauty

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: A Gospel Call to Bold Enjoyment by Ray Ortlund because the title immediately intrigued me. I expected a tightly written and deeply structured exploration of Ecclesiastes. While the book had meaningful insights, I found it somewhat scattered and at times difficult to follow.

What I did appreciate was the central takeaway: Ecclesiastes teaches that life is short and life is good. That tension—between brevity and goodness—felt biblically faithful and pastorally helpful. Ortlund highlights how Solomon acknowledges the limits and frustrations of life while still urging us to receive God’s gifts with gratitude and joy. That emphasis on enjoying God’s everyday blessings was encouraging and worth reflecting on.

However, I couldn’t shake the sense that the book is written more toward a younger audience—perhaps those just beginning to wrestle with big questions about meaning, purpose, and mortality. As someone in my mid-40s, I didn’t find much of it personally challenging or new. Many of the insights felt introductory rather than deeply probing. Readers newer to Ecclesiastes might benefit more from this approach, but I was hoping for a more layered or comprehensive study.

That said, I don’t regret reading it. I’m walking away with a renewed commitment to accept my limits while savouring my joys. Solomon’s message—life’s shortness paired with life’s goodness—is one I want to hold onto. We cannot control everything, nor can we escape the reality of time passing, but we can gratefully receive what God places in our hands today.

While this particular book may not be the one I return to for deeper study of Ecclesiastes, it served as a reminder to live faithfully within my limits and to boldly enjoy the good gifts God gives.

A special thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Eat, Drink, and Be Merry by Ray Ortlund. Although the book didn’t quite resonate with me as expected, I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on its message about the brevity and goodness of life.