Ecclesiastes 5:18

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold that which I have seen {H7200}: it is good {H2896} and comely {H3303} for one to eat {H398} and to drink {H8354}, and to enjoy {H7200} the good {H2896} of all his labour {H5999} that he taketh {H5998} under the sun {H8121} all {H4557} the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}, which God {H430} giveth {H5414} him: for it is his portion {H2506}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is what I have seen to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, drink and enjoy the good that results from all his work that he engages in under the sun for all the days of his life that God has given him, for this is his allotted portion.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:18 presents a pivotal shift in the Preacher's discourse, moving from the often-lamented futility of human striving "under the sun" to an affirmation of the simple, divinely-granted joys of life. It declares that finding satisfaction in eating, drinking, and the fruit of one's labor is not merely acceptable but "good and comely," a direct gift from God and one's allotted "portion." This verse offers a profound counterpoint to the book's pervasive themes of vanity, advocating for a grateful acceptance of present blessings as a wise and God-honoring way to live.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:18 appears within a section (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20) that addresses the pitfalls of wealth, oppression, and the insatiable desire for more. The Preacher has just lamented the vanity of loving money (Ecclesiastes 5:10), the sleeplessness of the rich (Ecclesiastes 5:12), and the tragic loss of wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:13-17). Verse 18, however, marks a significant thematic pivot. It is one of several "enjoyment passages" in Ecclesiastes (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoyment as God's Gift"), [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - God's Gift of Joy"), [Ecclesiastes 9:7-9](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 - Living Joyfully")), where Qoheleth, despite his cynical observations about life's meaninglessness apart from God, identifies a genuine, God-given good in human existence: the ability to find simple joy in daily provisions and the fruit of one's toil. This provides a necessary balance to the book's otherwise somber tone, offering a practical, God-centered wisdom for living in a fallen world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, was an agrarian society where labor was often arduous and sustenance hard-won. Life "under the sun" (a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes, referring to human experience apart from divine revelation) was characterized by cycles of sowing and reaping, often with uncertain outcomes due to weather, political instability, or oppression. In such a context, the ability to simply eat, drink, and enjoy the results of one's work was not a given but a blessing. The concept of "portion" was deeply ingrained, often referring to an inheritance, a share of spoils, or a divinely allotted destiny. This verse speaks to the common person's experience, validating their daily efforts and the simple pleasures derived from them, contrasting with the grand, often futile, pursuits of kings and philosophers that Qoheleth also examines throughout [the book of Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes - The Preacher's Quest for Meaning").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, asserting that the capacity for enjoyment and the fruits of labor are not merely human achievements but direct "gifts" from God. Secondly, it champions **Contentment and Gratitude**, encouraging individuals to embrace their "portion" rather than endlessly striving for more, a stark contrast to the vanity of accumulating wealth (as seen in [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Futility of Wealth")). Thirdly, it redefines **True Wisdom** not as the acquisition of vast knowledge or riches, but as the humble acceptance and appreciation of God's daily provisions. This perspective offers a practical path to meaning and joy amidst life's inherent uncertainties and injustices, grounding human satisfaction in divine grace rather than fleeting earthly pursuits.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) This word is used in its widest sense, encompassing moral goodness, functional benefit, and aesthetic beauty. In Ecclesiastes 5:18, when applied to eating, drinking, and enjoying labor, it signifies that these activities are not just permissible or pleasant, but are inherently proper, beneficial, and pleasing in God's sight when received as His gift. It implies a sense of rightness and well-being.
* **comely (Hebrew, _yâpheh'_):** (H3303) Meaning "beautiful" or "fitting," this term adds an aesthetic and appropriate dimension to the "good." It suggests that this way of living—finding joy in simple provisions and honest labor as God's gift—is not only beneficial but also aesthetically pleasing and fitting in the grand scheme of creation and divine order. It speaks to the harmony and beauty of living in alignment with God's design.
* **portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** (H2506) This word refers to an allotted share, an inheritance, or a division. In this context, it emphasizes that the ability to enjoy the fruits of one's labor and daily sustenance is a specific, divinely assigned blessing. It underscores the idea of contentment with what God has provided, recognizing it as one's unique, God-given share in life, rather than something earned or seized independently.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Behold that which I have seen:"** The Preacher (Qoheleth) introduces a personal observation, signaling a conclusion or insight drawn from his extensive experience and contemplation of life "under the sun." This phrase serves to emphasize the weight and certainty of the following declaration, presenting it as a verified truth.
* **"[it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink,"** This clause presents the core affirmation. The simple, fundamental acts of sustenance—eating and drinking—are declared to be not just necessary but "good" (beneficial, morally right) and "comely" (fitting, beautiful). This elevates everyday activities to a divinely sanctioned and aesthetically pleasing level, especially when viewed as a gift.
* **"and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life,"** This expands the scope of divinely sanctioned enjoyment beyond mere sustenance to include the satisfaction derived from one's diligent work. "Under the sun" reiterates the context of human earthly existence, emphasizing that even within life's often-futile pursuits, there is a legitimate "good" to be found and enjoyed from one's toil throughout their entire lifespan.
* **"which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion."** This final clause provides the theological foundation for the preceding statements. The ability to enjoy life and labor is explicitly attributed as a direct "gift" from "God" (Elohim), the supreme divine being. The concluding phrase, "for it is his portion," reinforces the idea that this enjoyment is a divinely allotted share, a specific blessing from God that should be gratefully accepted as one's rightful inheritance in life.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening phrase, **"Behold that which I have seen,"** functions as an **Observation** or **Testimonial**, lending personal authority and empirical weight to the Preacher's declaration. This personal observation contrasts sharply with the often abstract or generalized laments found elsewhere in the book. The verse then uses **Affirmation** by declaring certain activities as "good and comely," which stands in **Contrast** to the pervasive theme of "vanity" (hebel) that dominates much of Ecclesiastes. This contrast highlights a paradox: while much of life is futile, there are specific, God-given moments of genuine good. The phrase "under the sun" serves as a repeated **Motif** throughout Ecclesiastes, consistently grounding the Preacher's observations in the realm of human experience, emphasizing life's limitations apart from divine revelation. Finally, the verse functions as a piece of **Didactic Wisdom**, offering practical instruction and encouragement for how one should live and find meaning amidst the uncertainties of existence, by embracing divine provision as one's "portion."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:18 offers a profound theological insight into God's providence and humanity's proper response to it. It counters the natural human tendency towards insatiable desire and the pursuit of fleeting gains by reorienting the focus to God as the ultimate source of all good. The ability to find joy in simple sustenance and the fruit of one's labor is not merely a psychological coping mechanism but a divine gift, a "portion" allotted by God Himself. This perspective transforms mundane activities into opportunities for worship and gratitude, suggesting that true contentment comes not from what one accumulates, but from recognizing and appreciating what God has graciously provided. It underscores the biblical principle that all good things come from the Creator, and that acknowledging this truth is foundational to a life of wisdom and peace.

* [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoyment as God's Gift")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - God's Gift of Joy")
* [Ecclesiastes 9:7-9](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 - Living Joyfully")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:18 offers a timeless and profoundly practical lesson for navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world relentlessly driven by ambition, consumerism, and the pursuit of external validation, this verse serves as a powerful antidote. It calls us to pause, to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude for the seemingly ordinary aspects of our existence: the food on our tables, the water we drink, and the satisfaction derived from honest work. It challenges the notion that happiness is always found in the next achievement, the next acquisition, or a different circumstance. Instead, it invites us to find deep contentment and joy in the "portion" God has already given us, recognizing that these simple blessings are direct expressions of His benevolent provision. Embracing this truth can liberate us from the endless cycle of striving and dissatisfaction, allowing us to truly live in the present, appreciate our daily bread, and find fulfillment in our labor as a gift from the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to seek satisfaction outside of God's daily provision and the fruit of my labor?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the "good and comely" aspects of my everyday life, such as eating, drinking, and working?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly accept my current circumstances and blessings as my "portion" from God, rather than constantly desiring more or different?**
* **How might embracing this verse transform my approach to work, leisure, and financial stewardship?**

### FAQ

**Does Ecclesiastes 5:18 encourage hedonism or a purely materialistic view of life?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 5:18 does not encourage hedonism or a purely materialistic view of life. While it advocates for enjoying eating, drinking, and the fruit of one's labor, it explicitly frames these as "which God giveth him: for it is his portion." This divine attribution is crucial. The enjoyment is not an end in itself, nor is it about excess or selfish indulgence. Rather, it is about gratefully receiving and appreciating the simple, tangible blessings that God provides within the context of human existence "under the sun." It's a recognition that even amidst life's uncertainties and vanities, God offers genuine, good gifts, and wisdom lies in acknowledging and enjoying them as from His hand. It contrasts sharply with the futility of chasing wealth or pleasure for their own sake, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 2:1-11](/ecclesiastes/2-1 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 - The Vanity of Pleasure and Accomplishment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:18, with its emphasis on finding "good and comely" enjoyment in God's daily provisions and the fruit of one's labor as a divine "portion," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Qoheleth points to the earthly, temporal blessings given by God, Christ reveals the eternal and spiritual dimensions of true satisfaction and inheritance. Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the ultimate "portion" for believers, far surpassing any earthly inheritance, as He provides eternal life and spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies the soul ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). The "labor" that finds its ultimate good is not merely earthly toil, but the "work of God" which is to "believe on him whom he hath sent" ([John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God")). Through Christ, believers receive an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")), which is the true and lasting "portion" God gives. Thus, the fleeting joys of Ecclesiastes are transformed and transcended in Christ, who is the source of all true good, the giver of abundant life, and the ultimate fulfillment of every longing for meaning and satisfaction.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 2:24

[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.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:22

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?

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

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.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;