18 Here is what I have seen to be (A)good and [a]fitting: to eat, to drink and [b]enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few [c]years of his life which God has given him; for this is his [d](B)reward. 19 Furthermore, as for every man to whom (C)God has given riches and wealth, He has also (D)empowered him to eat from them and to receive his [e]reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the (E)gift of God. 20 For he will not often [f]consider the [g]years of his life, because (F)God keeps [h]him occupied with the gladness of his heart.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Lit beautiful
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Lit see good
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Or days
  4. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Or share
  5. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Or share
  6. Ecclesiastes 5:20 Lit remember
  7. Ecclesiastes 5:20 Or days
  8. Ecclesiastes 5:20 So with Gr

18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink(A) and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor(B) under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions,(C) and the ability to enjoy them,(D) to accept their lot(E) and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.(F) 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.(G)

Read full chapter