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
In the book of Ecclesiastes, attributed to King Solomon, the author reflects on his personal experiments with wealth, pleasure, and achievement to understand the purpose of life under the sun. In chapter 2, Solomon recounts how he indulged in every desire and joy from his labors as the wealthy king of Israel, seeking fulfillment through his accomplishments. This passage fits into a larger narrative warning about the ultimate vanity of such pursuits without a God-centered perspective.
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