Ecclesiastes 5:18
Ecclesiastes 5:18 in Multiple Translations
Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot.
¶ Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Behold, that which I have seen to be good and to be comely is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, wherein he laboreth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him: for this is his portion.
This is what I have seen: it is good and fair for a man to take meat and drink and to have joy in all his work under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; that is his reward.
But I observed that what is good and right is to eat, drink, and to find enjoyment in the work God gives us here in this life. This is God's gift to us.
Also to euery man to whom God hath giuen riches and treasures, and giueth him power to eate thereof, and to take his part, and to enioy his labour: this is the gift of God.
Lo, that which I have seen: [It is] good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and to see good in all one's labour that he laboureth at under the sun, the number of the days of his life that God hath given to him, for it [is] his portion.
Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
And every man to whom God hath given riches, and substance, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to enjoy his portion, and to rejoice of his labour: this is the gift of God.
So, the best thing for people to do here on the earth during the few years that God allows them to be alive is to eat and drink and to enjoy their work, because those are the things that God has given to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֣ם
כָּֽל
הָ/אָדָ֡ם
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
נָֽתַן
ל֣/וֹ
הָ/אֱלֹהִים֩
עֹ֨שֶׁר
וּ/נְכָסִ֜ים
וְ/הִשְׁלִיט֨/וֹ
לֶ/אֱכֹ֤ל
מִמֶּ֨/נּוּ֙
וְ/לָ/שֵׂ֣את
אֶת
חֶלְק֔/וֹ
וְ/לִ/שְׂמֹ֖חַ
בַּ/עֲמָל֑/וֹ
זֹ֕ה
מַתַּ֥ת
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
הִֽיא
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָדָ֡ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָֽתַן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הָ/אֱלֹהִים֩
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
עֹ֨שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
N-ms
וּ/נְכָסִ֜ים
nekeç
H5233
wealth
Conj | N-mp
וְ/הִשְׁלִיט֨/וֹ
shâlaṭ
H7980
to domineer
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
לֶ/אֱכֹ֤ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִמֶּ֨/נּוּ֙
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/לָ/שֵׂ֣את
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֶלְק֔/וֹ
chêleq
H2506
portion
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לִ/שְׂמֹ֖חַ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/עֲמָל֑/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Prep | N-cs | Suff
זֹ֕ה
zôh
H2090
this
Pron
מַתַּ֥ת
mattâth
H4991
gift
N-fs
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הִֽיא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:18
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אָדָ֡ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָֽתַן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הָ/אֱלֹהִים֩
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
עֹ֨שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
וּ/נְכָסִ֜ים
nekeç
H5233
"wealth"
Conj | N-mp
Wealth or treasure, similar to the riches of the wise men in Matthew 2. This word refers to riches or treasures, often used to describe the wealth of kings or nations. It is translated as riches or wealth in the KJV.
Definition: riches, treasures Aramaic equivalent: ne.khas (נְכַס "wealth" H5232)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: riches, wealth. See also: Joshua 22:8; 2 Chronicles 1:12; Ecclesiastes 6:2.
וְ/הִשְׁלִיט֨/וֹ
shâlaṭ
H7980
"to domineer"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To shalat means to have power or control over something, like dominating or ruling. It can also imply giving someone power or permission to act.
Definition: 1) to domineer, exercise power over, dominate, have mastery, be master, lord it over 1a) (Qal) to domineer, lord it over, become master 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give power of 1b2) to get mastery of Aramaic equivalent: she.let (שְׁלֵט "to rule" H7981)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (bear, have) rule, have dominion, give (have) power. See also: Nehemiah 5:15; Ecclesiastes 2:19; Psalms 119:133.
לֶ/אֱכֹ֤ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
מִמֶּ֨/נּוּ֙
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/לָ/שֵׂ֣את
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֶלְק֔/וֹ
chêleq
H2506
"portion"
N-ms | Suff
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
וְ/לִ/שְׂמֹ֖חַ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
בַּ/עֲמָל֑/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
זֹ֕ה
zôh
H2090
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, used to point out something specific. It is often translated as it, this, or that in the Bible.
Definition: this
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus. See also: Judges 18:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 132:12.
מַתַּ֥ת
mattâth
H4991
"gift"
N-fs
Mattah means a gift or reward, and is used to describe something given to someone.
Definition: gift, reward
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: gift. See also: 1 Kings 13:7; Ecclesiastes 5:18; Proverbs 25:14.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הִֽיא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:18
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Context — The Futility of Wealth
16This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?
17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
18Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot.
19Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. 20For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 2:24 | Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 | I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 3:22 | I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him? |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:7 | Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 8:15 | So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 2:10 | Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 6:17 | Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 11:9 | Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 52:34 | And the king of Babylon provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life, until the day of his death. |
Ecclesiastes 5:18 Summary
[Ecclesiastes 5:18 tells us that it is good to enjoy the simple things in life, like eating and drinking, and to find satisfaction in our work, as long as we do so with thankfulness to God. This verse reminds us that our lives are short, and we should make the most of the time we have, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. As Psalm 16:11 says, in God's presence is fullness of joy, and as we trust in Him, we can experience joy and satisfaction in all aspects of our lives, including our labor and our daily activities.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun?
It means to find joy and contentment in the work God has given us to do, despite the fact that our lives are short and fleeting, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:18 and supported by Psalm 90:17, which says that God's favor can make our labor satisfying.
Is it wrong to enjoy eating and drinking according to Ecclesiastes 5:18?
No, it is not wrong to enjoy eating and drinking, as long as we do so in moderation and with thankfulness to God, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:4-5, which says that everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
What is the significance of God giving us a certain number of days to live?
The fact that God gives us a certain number of days to live emphasizes the importance of making the most of the time we have, as seen in Psalm 90:12, which says to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
How can we accept our lot in life and rejoice in our labor?
We can accept our lot in life and rejoice in our labor by trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:19, which says that God gives us the ability to enjoy the riches and wealth He has given us, and to rejoice in our labor as a gift from Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you can find satisfaction in your daily work and activities, and how can you trust God to make your labor satisfying?
- How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the blessings God has given you, including the ability to enjoy eating and drinking?
- What are some things that can rob you of joy and satisfaction in your life, and how can you overcome them by trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty?
- In what ways can you use your time and resources to honor God and make the most of the days He has given you?
- How can you balance the enjoyment of earthly pleasures with the pursuit of spiritual growth and intimacy with God?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:18
Behold that which I have seen,.... Observed, considered and approved of, and which he recommended and excited attention to, and is as follows; [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:18
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:18
That which I have seen, i.e. learned by study and experience. Good and comely; good or comfortable to man’ s self, and comely or amiable in the eyes of other men, as penuriousness is base and dishonourable. His portion, to wit, of worldly goods; for he hath another and a better portion in heaven. This liberty is given to him by God, and this is the best advantage, as to this life, which he can make of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:18
Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.Ver. 18. It is good and comely for one to eat, &c.] Niggardice and baseness is an ugly evil, making a man, though never so rich, to be vilipended and despised of all. Nabal shall not be called Nadib - the vile person liberal, the churl bountiful.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:18
(18) The Preacher is led back to the conclusion at which he had arrived (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:18
Verse 18. Behold that which I have seen] This is the result of my observations and experience. God gives every man, in the course of his providence, the necessaries of life; and it is his will that he should thankfully use them. For it is his portion.] What is requisite for him in the lower world; without them his life cannot subsist, and earthly blessings are as truly the portion of his body and animal life, as the salvation of God is the portion of his soul.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:18
18. Behold that which I have seen] The thinker returns to the maxim of a calm regulated Epicureanism, as before in chs. Ecclesiastes 2:24, Ecclesiastes 3:22. If a man has little, let him be content with that little. If he has much, let him enjoy it without excess, and without seeking more. In the combination of “good” and “comely” we have perhaps an endeavour to reproduce the familiar Greek combination of the ἀγαθὸν and the καλόν.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:18
Rather, Behold what I have seen to be good, it is pleasant for a man to eat. Such thankful enjoyment is inculcated by the Law Deuteronomy 12:7, Deuteronomy 12:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:18
18. Good… to eat… drink — Reference is here made to the proposition of Ecc 2:24.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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Christian Recreation and Unchristian Amusement by T.L. Cuyler | T. L. Cuyler preaches about the importance of Christian recreation and the dangers of unchristian amusement, emphasizing the need for activities that strengthen the body, bring hap |
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The Vanities of the Wise Experimenter. 2:1-26 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher delves into the journey of a Seeker who starts with youthful pleasure and mirth, seeking 'the good' in life's experiences but ultimately |
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The Message of Ecclesiastes by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound message of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the folly of living life without a true relationship with God. He highlights the misconceptions about |
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Take Up Your Cross and Follow Him (Part 1) by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the contrast between worldly pleasure and true fulfillment, drawing from the teachings of King Solomon and the life of Moses. While Epicureanism promotes a |
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Analysis of Ecclesiastes by W.J. Erdman | W.J. Erdman preaches on the search for the Chief Good sought by the natural man through experience and observation of all things done 'Under the Sun.' The sermon is divided into tw |
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A Time for Everything Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 3, verse 12. He begins by acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the e |
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Amusements by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of amusement in the Christian life, arguing against the notion that all forms of pleasure are sinful. He highlights that true Christian joy re |