What does Ecclesiastes 5:18 mean?
"¶ 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." - Ecclesiastes 5:18
Ecclesiastes 5:18 in the King James Version reads, "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."
The book of Ecclesiastes is believed to have been written by King Solomon, and it explores the meaning and purpose of life. In this particular verse, Solomon reflects on the enjoyment of the fruits of one's labor as a gift from God. The verse emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in the work that one does, and to appreciate the blessings that come from it.
The themes in this verse revolve around the ideas of contentment, gratitude, and the sovereignty of God. Solomon encourages a healthy perspective on work and pleasure by acknowledging them as gifts from God. This verse also touches on the concept of provision, suggesting that everything a person has is given to them by God as their portion in life.
The context of Ecclesiastes 5:18 is within the broader context of Solomon's exploration of the futility of human efforts and pursuits without God. Throughout the book, he grapples with the idea that all human accomplishments will eventually perish and be forgotten. However, he also offers wisdom on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in light of this reality.
Solomon's observation that it is good and comely for one to eat, drink, and enjoy the good of their labor is a recognition of the simple pleasures in life. He encourages his readers to embrace these pleasures and find satisfaction in them. This does not mean pursuing selfish and hedonistic pleasures, but rather, finding contentment in the everyday blessings and joys that come from God.
The verse also speaks to the importance of gratitude and recognizing God as the provider of all good things. By acknowledging that all the good in one's life is a gift from God, it encourages a humble and thankful heart. This perspective fosters a sense of contentment and prevents the pursuit of material possessions as the ultimate source of fulfillment.
The symbolism in Ecclesiastes 5:18 lies in the idea of the portion given by God. The concept of a portion indicates a measure of something allotted to an individual. In this context, it represents the unique and specific blessings that God gives to each person. This can include one's work, relationships, possessions, and experiences. By recognizing these as gifts from God, it encourages a sense of stewardship and responsibility in how one uses and appreciates them.
Overall, Ecclesiastes 5:18 offers a valuable perspective on finding meaning and joy in the everyday aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the provider of all good things, and finding contentment in the blessings that come from Him. It encourages a balanced and grateful approach to work, pleasure, and the gifts of life. This verse provides wisdom for living a life that is both purposeful and fulfilling, acknowledging the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life.
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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."
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - "This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart."
"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." - Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
"¶ 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." - Ecclesiastes 5:18
Ecclesiastes 5:5 - "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
Ecclesiastes 1:18 - "For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."
Ecclesiastes 10:18 - "¶ By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through."
Ecclesiastes 9:18 - "Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good."
Ecclesiastes 5:9 - "¶ Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field."
Ecclesiastes 4:5 - "The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh."
Ecclesiastes 7:5 - "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools."
Ecclesiastes 5:7 - "For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God."
Ecclesiastes 5:3 - "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words."
Ecclesiastes 5:14 - "But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand."
Ecclesiastes 10:5 - "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:"
Ecclesiastes 2:5 - "I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:"
Ecclesiastes 3:18 - "I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts."
"Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay." - Ecclesiastes 5:5
Ecclesiastes 1:5 - "The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose."
Ecclesiastes 5:10 - "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity."
Ecclesiastes 5:13 - "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt."
Ecclesiastes 5:11 - "When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?"
Ecclesiastes 5:17 - "All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness."
Ecclesiastes 8:5 - "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment."
Ecclesiastes 3:5 - "A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;"
Ecclesiastes 5:20 - "For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart."
Ecclesiastes 6:5 - "Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other."
Ecclesiastes 5:12 - "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep."
Ecclesiastes 7:18 - "It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all."
"For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." - Ecclesiastes 1:18