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.
Look, here's what I've discovered: it's good and right for a person to eat and drink and enjoy the benefits of all their hard work under the sun during all the days of their life that God gives them, because this is their share.
The writer is saying that God wants us to enjoy the simple pleasures and fruits of our labor during our lifetime, because this enjoyment is our portion from Him.
📚 Historical Context
The Book of Ecclesiastes is part of the Old Testament's Wisdom Literature, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who ruled Israel in the 10th century BC and pondered the meaning of life under the sun. In this verse, Solomon reflects on the fleeting nature of existence but highlights that enjoying the results of one's labor is a good and fitting response, as it comes directly from God as a personal allotment. This fits into the broader theme of the book, which balances the vanity of worldly pursuits with the wisdom of finding contentment in divine gifts.
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