Ecclesiastes 2:22

22 For it happens to a man in all his labour, and in the purpose of his heart wherein he labours under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:22 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 2:22

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of
his heart?
&c.] What profit has he by it, when there is so much vexation in it, both in getting it, and in the thought of leaving it to others? What advantage is it to him, when it is all acquired for and possessed by another; and especially of what use is it to him after his death? Even of all wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
the Targum adds, "in this world"; though he has been labouring all his days, yet there is not one thing he has got by his labour that is of any real advantage to him, or can yield him any solid comfort and satisfaction, or bring him true happiness, or lead him to it.

Ecclesiastes 2:22 In-Context

20 so I went about to dismiss from my heart all my labour wherein I had laboured under the sun.

21 For there is a man that his labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in fortitude; this man shall give his portion to one who has not laboured therein. This is also vanity and great evil.

22 For it happens to a man in all his labour, and in the purpose of his heart wherein he labours under the sun.

23 For all his days of sorrows, and vexation of spirit is his; in the night also his heart rests not. This is also vanity.

24 A man has nothing good to eat, and to drink, and to shew his soul good in his trouble. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.