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

by Ray Ortlund

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, Nonfiction, Christianity

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[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.”

[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!

[Sheridan Chandler]

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!

[Maddie Pawlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! A beautifully written book by Ray Ortlund that tackles Christian freedom! I appreciate the way he breaks down Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. He takes what can be a confusing or overlooked verse, and draws out a deep encouragement for the believer to enjoy the things God has created and gifted us for His glory!

“Because of God, everything created is good. Because of us, everything created is marred, including our responses to everything created. Because of Christ, everything created can be redeemed.”

Everything God has given us to enjoy is good, marred, and redeemable.

“Our grateful enjoyment is wise, and our picky austerity is waste!”

Here, he addresses severity teaching (asceticism). Living with a severity toward the earthy body and things of the earth that is not Biblical. Are we trying to be more spiritual than Jesus, who as fully God and fully man, set the example for how we are to live? I was super encouraged by this, and it’s short! Give it a read!

[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.

[Connor Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for any Christian who needs the reminder to enjoy the enjoyable to the glory of God.

This book observes, exegetes, and applies, with great emphasis, Ecclesiastes 11:9-10,

[9] [q]Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. [r]Walk in the ways of your heart and [s]the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things [t]God will bring you into judgment.

[10] Remove vexation from your heart, and [u]put away pain(3) from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Ray beautiful and rightly notes that life is like a freshly picked flower; beautiful, but dying. He rides a good balance of addressing the solemness of death and the end of this life, yet strongly implores Christians to enjoy life to the fullest, richly delighting in God and the pouring of his graces and gifts on this side of eternity.


1 Timothy 4:4-5

[4] For [f]everything created by God is good, and [g]nothing is to be rejected if it is [e]received with thanksgiving, [5] for it is made holy [h]by the word of God and prayer.


Yes this life is marred/tainted by sin, but because of the gospel, it is also redeemable and enjoyable.

[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.”

[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!

[Isa Gueno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this perspective and loved the way this was based on the incarnation! It made me have the desire to be more grateful for God’s grace and his gifts on this earth!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Listened as audiobook
Maybe felt fluffy at times but was challenged to remember that a gospel outlook on life is joyful and receives good gifts with thankfulness rather than austerity.

[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

[Meg Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful invitation into true gospel enjoyment! Love love love our God & the delightful freedom He gives!!!!

[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.

[Kasie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO. GOOD. Such a refreshing perspective on living in the joy of Christ. Being raised fairly legalistically in the SBC, this challenged my heart in a few ways. But it was such a beautiful reminder that we are called into the FULLNESS of joy and that God created us with intention—even our hobbies and interests. Ugh. Just read it, it’s such a sweetness to the soul.

[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!

[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..

[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.

[Caleb Conard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is short, and life is good.

Ortlund’s view of the Christian life is so happy and refreshing. I’ve been guilty of seeing austerity as some sort of godly virtue to a fault. Sober-mindedness and joy can — and should — exist in the Christian. And, joy can be found in God by enjoying the physical graces He’s given us (1 Tim. 4:4-5)

I get a little uncomfortable with his language at times. It can feel a touch human-exalting, but I know that he has a big view of God. So, I can’t tell if I’m uncomfortable because it’s stretching me or because he’s at risk of stretching truths about our worth and dignity and destiny.

Side note: this book introduced me to a new contender for my favorite quote from Luther: “Dear devil, if you can’t do better than that, kiss my toe.”

[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.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ray for pointing us so clearly back to the word of God and heart of Christ to enjoy! What a beautiful gift we’ve been given as desirous creatures who ultimately find their satisfaction and rest in our Creator!

[Amy Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with wisdom and encouragement. Christian hedonism vibes. An inspiring reminder that joy in God is worth pursuing, not just passively waiting for, but worth pursuing. Really good, easy, short read.

Would make a good graduation gift I think. Especially for the more serious sort.