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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 5:18 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/21_Ecc_05_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 5:18 - The Futility of Wealth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 5:17">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 5:18 <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 5:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink, and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one&#8217s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Here is what I have seen to be good, which is beautiful: to eat, to drink, and to see good in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Behold, here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God gives him—for this is his [allotted] reward. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What is the best thing to do in the short life God has given us? I think we should enjoy eating, drinking, and working hard. This is what God intends for us to do. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 labour, wherein he laboureth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him: for this is his portion. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> At last I have seen what is good and beautiful: It is to eat and drink and to enjoy the good in all our hard work under the sun during the brief lives God gives us. That is our lot [in life]. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Here is what I have found out: the best thing we can do is eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for during the short life that God has given us; this is our fate. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Look! I observed that it is good and prudent to eat, drink, and enjoy all that is good of a person's work that he does on earth during the limited days of his life, which God gives him, for this is his allotment. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NET Bible</a> I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Look, 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. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/5.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Behold, that which I have seen: [It is] good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and to see good in all one’s labor that he labors at under the sun, the number of the days of his life that God has given to him, for it [is] his portion. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold, what I saw: good, which is beautiful to eat and to drink, and to see good in all his labor that he will labor under the sun the number of the days of his life, which God gave to him; for this his portion.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> This therefore hath seemed good to me, that a man should eat and drink, and enjoy the fruit of his labour, wherewith he hath laboured under the sun, all the days of his life, which God hath given him: and this is his portion. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 5:17>And so, this has seemed good to me: that a person should eat and drink, and should enjoy the fruits of his labor, in which he has toiled under the sun, for the number of the days of his life that God has given him. For this is his portion. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Here is what I see as good: It is appropriate to eat and drink and prosper from all the toil one toils at under the sun during the limited days of life God gives us; for this is our lot. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This is what I, the Preacher, have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and drink and to enjoy the good of all his labor for which he toils under the sun all the days of his life, which the LORD has given him; for this is his portion. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> This thing I, the Preacher, have seen: it is good and beautiful to eat and to drink and to see good in all his labor that he labored under the sun, the numbers of the days of his life, the days LORD JEHOVAH gives to him, for that is his portion<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Behold that which I have seen: it is good, yea, it is comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy pleasure for all his labour, wherein he laboureth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him; for this is his portion. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Behold, I have seen good, that it is a fine thing for a man to eat and to drink, and to see good in all his labour in which he may labour under the sun, all the number of the days of his life which God has given to him: for it is his portion. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=989" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">The Futility of Wealth</a> …17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. 18<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Here</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’î·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">have seen</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">to be good</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3303.htm" title="3303: yā·p̄eh (Adj-ms) -- Fair, beautiful. From yaphah; beautiful.">and fitting:</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’e·ḵō·wl- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: wə·liš·tō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">and drink,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·lir·’ō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and to find</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (N-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">satisfaction</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ă·mā·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">the labor</a> <a href="/hebrew/5998.htm" title="5998: še·ya·‘ă·mōl (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To labor, toil. A primitive root; to toil, i.e. Work severely and with irksomeness.">one does</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ- (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·še·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·par (N-msc) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">during the few</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yə·mê- (N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yå̄w (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">of life</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯan- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">has given</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/2506.htm" title="2506: ḥel·qōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Portion, tract, territory. From chalaq; properly, smoothness; also an allotment.">is his lot.</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a> 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. <a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. <a href="/psalms/128-2.htm">Psalm 128:2</a> For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours. <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16-17</a> Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil. / Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24-25</a> 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. / For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment? <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12-13</a> 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. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7-9</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: / Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. / Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-12</a> I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. <a href="/matthew/6-31.htm">Matthew 6:31-33</a> Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. <a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a> And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” <a href="/1_timothy/4-4.htm">1 Timothy 4:4-5</a> For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. <a href="/genesis/1-29.htm">Genesis 1:29-31</a> Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. / And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. / And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. <a href="/deuteronomy/8-10.htm">Deuteronomy 8:10</a> When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land that He has given you. <a href="/psalms/104-14.htm">Psalm 104:14-15</a> He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 takes under the sun all the days of his life, which God gives him: for it is his portion.it is good and comely<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a> There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12,13,22</a> I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life… <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.the days<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10</a> And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a> Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?<a href="/jeremiah/52-34.htm">Jeremiah 52:34</a> And for his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-12.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Few</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">One's</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Oneself</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/psalms/145-15.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-16.htm">Toils</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Wherein</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Few</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-5.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">One's</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-20.htm">Oneself</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Toils</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Wherein</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 5</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">vanities in divine service</a> 8. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">in murmuring against oppression</a> 9. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">and in riches</a> 18. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Joy in riches is the gift of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: The author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, shares his observations on life. The phrase "good and fitting" suggests a sense of moral and aesthetic appropriateness. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this reflects a pursuit of wisdom and understanding of life's purpose. The Hebrew concept of "good" (טוֹב, tov) often implies alignment with God's will, suggesting that what is deemed good is also divinely approved.to eat and drink, Eating and drinking are basic human activities, symbolizing sustenance and enjoyment. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, meals were communal and often associated with fellowship and celebration. This phrase emphasizes the importance of enjoying God's provisions. It echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>, where believers are encouraged to do everything for the glory of God, including eating and drinking.and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, representing life on earth from a human perspective. The pursuit of satisfaction in labor suggests a divine purpose in work, aligning with the creation mandate in <a href="/genesis/2-15.htm">Genesis 2:15</a>, where Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to work it. This satisfaction is not merely in the results but in the process, reflecting a contentment that comes from fulfilling one's God-given role.during the few days of life that God has given him— This acknowledges the brevity and transience of human life, a theme prevalent throughout Ecclesiastes. The "few days" highlight the temporal nature of earthly existence, reminiscent of <a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a>, which speaks of the shortness of life. The acknowledgment that life is given by God underscores His sovereignty and the grace inherent in each day.for this is his lot. The term "lot" refers to one's portion or destiny, suggesting a divinely appointed path. This reflects the biblical understanding that God assigns each person their circumstances and responsibilities. It aligns with the idea in <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a>, where the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. This phrase encourages acceptance and contentment with one's God-given circumstances, trusting in His wisdom and provision.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> - Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> - The nation over which Solomon reigned, providing the cultural and historical context for Ecclesiastes. 3. <a href="/topical/l/labor.htm">Labor</a> - Represents the work and toil of human life, a central theme in Ecclesiastes. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> - The sovereign Creator who gives life and assigns each person's lot. 5. <a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a> - A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god's_provision.htm">Contentment in God's Provision</a> Recognize that satisfaction in life is a gift from God. Embrace contentment in the simple pleasures of eating, drinking, and working. <a href="/topical/t/the_temporal_nature_of_life.htm">The Temporal Nature of Life</a> Understand the brevity of life "under the sun" and prioritize eternal values over temporary pursuits. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_labor.htm">The Role of Labor</a> View work as a God-given opportunity to find fulfillment and purpose, rather than a burdensome task. <a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_daily_blessings.htm">Gratitude for Daily Blessings</a> Cultivate a heart of gratitude for the daily blessings and provisions God grants, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lot. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_enjoyment_and_responsibility.htm">Balancing Enjoyment and Responsibility</a> Balance the enjoyment of life's pleasures with the responsibility to live wisely and honor God in all endeavors.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5</a> <a href="/q/what_is_absurdism.htm">What does 'Not Good for Man to Be Alone' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_marriage_in_the_bible.htm">What defines marriage in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_spend_money_on_non-essential_items.htm">Why spend money on non-essential items?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_desires.htm">What does the Bible say about pleasures and passions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) The Preacher is led back to the conclusion at which he had arrived (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm" title="There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm" title="I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.">Ecclesiastes 3:12</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm" title="Why I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 18-20. - Section 8. The inconveniences of wealth lead the writer back to his old conclusion, that man should make the best of life, and enjoy all the good that God gives with moderation and contentment. Verse 18. - Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely, etc. The accentuation is against this rendering, which, however, has the support of the Syriac and the Targum. The Septuagint gives, Ἰδοὺ εϊδον ἐγὼ ἀγαθὸν ὅ ἐστι καλόν, "Behold, I have seen a good which is comely;" and it is best to translate, with Delitzsch and others, "Behold, what I have seen as good, what as beautiful, is this." My conclusion holds good. They who seek for traces of Greek influence in Koheleth find Epicureanism in the sentiment, and the familiar combination, καλὸν κἀγαθὸν, in the language. Both ideas are baseless. (For supposed Epicureanism, see on Ecclesiastes 2:24 and Ecclesiastes 3:12.) And the juxtaposition of καλὸς and ἀγαθὸς is only a fortuitous rendering of the Hebrew, upon which no argument for Grecism can be founded. To eat and to drink, etc.; i.e. to use the common blessings which God bestows with thankfulness and contentment. As St. Paul says, "Having food and covering, we shall he therewith content" (<a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8</a>). Which God giveth him. This is the point so often insisted upon. These temporal blessings are God's gifts, and are not to be considered as the natural and assured result of man's own exertions. Man, indeed, must labor, but God giveth the increase. For it is his portion (<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a>). This calm enjoyment is allotted to man by God, and nothing more must be expected. Ben-Sira gives similar advice, "Defraud not thyself of a good day, and let not the share in a right pleasure pass by thee Give, and take, and beguile thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in Hades" (Ecclus. 14:14. etc.). <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Here הִנֵּ֞ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! is what אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I אָ֗נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I have seen רָאִ֣יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see to be good ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good and fitting: יָפֶ֣ה (yā·p̄eh) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> Fair, beautiful to eat לֶֽאֶכוֹל־ (le·’e·ḵō·wl-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat and drink, וְ֠לִשְׁתּוֹת (wə·liš·tō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe and to find וְלִרְא֨וֹת (wə·lir·’ō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see satisfaction טוֹבָ֜ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good in all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the labor עֲמָל֣וֹ ׀ (‘ă·mā·lōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind one does שֶׁיַּעֲמֹ֣ל (še·ya·‘ă·mōl) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5998.htm">Strong's 5998: </a> To toil, work severely and with irksomeness under תַּֽחַת־ (ta·ḥaṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement during the few מִסְפַּ֧ר (mis·par) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> A number, definite, indefinite, narration days יְמֵי־ (yə·mê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of life חַיָּ֛יו‪‬‪‬ (ḥay·yāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that God הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has given him? נָֽתַן־ (nā·ṯan-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set for כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction this ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is his lot. חֶלְקֽוֹ׃ (ḥel·qōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2506.htm">Strong's 2506: </a> Portion, tract, territory <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>