“For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God.” —Ecclesiastes 2:26

Wanting to please those we love is natural, and it should be natural for Christians to want to please their heavenly Father. Scripture contains everything we need to know to understand how we can live a life that pleases God.

God is a perfect and holy Father who always wants the best for his children. He is pleased when his children live with his high and holy standards. King Solomon spoke of the blessings that God loves to pour into the lives of his children. Solomon said that when God’s children please him, he gives “wisdom and knowledge and joy” as his reward.

God wants to bless his children and was careful to describe the life and character he is able to bless. Scripture also makes clear that God cannot bless what is wrong or sinful. King Solomon said the sinner has a life filled with “gathering and collecting.” Solomon paints a picture of a life filled with striving and work but lacking the peace, joy, and contentment God wants to provide.

Pleasing God is wisdom. When we live a life God is able to bless, we have positioned ourselves to receive his blessings of wisdom, knowledge, and joy.

“And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” —1 John 3:22

The apostle John was called the beloved disciple. He loved Jesus and others. When John wrote his letter to the churches he had shepherded, he made sure they understood how to please God with their choices. 

John told them, “Keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” God gave us his laws and his teaching so that we would be able to live a life that pleased him. When we live in obedience to his word, we will want those things God most wants to give to us. We will pray in and for his will rather than in and for our own. And we will receive his blessings for our lives.

Pleasing God is wisdom. How will your life please God tomorrow and in the days to come?