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.
Whatever my eyes wanted, I didn't deny myself. I didn't hold back my heart from any pleasure or joy. My heart found happiness in all my work, and this enjoyment was my reward for all my effort.
The writer is describing how he gave himself every pleasure and found joy in his work, considering this enjoyment to be his payment for all his labor.
📚 Historical Context
King Solomon is reflecting on his pursuit of pleasure and accomplishment during his reign over Israel. As the wisest and wealthiest king of his time, he had unlimited resources to pursue whatever brought him joy. This verse comes in the middle of his experiment with finding meaning through pleasure, luxury, and great projects.
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