Ecclesiastes 3:13

13 It is a gift from God to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink
Not to excess, but in moderation; and yet freely, plentifully, and cheerfully; and not alone, but giving the poor a portion with him; and in all having in view the glory of God, ( 1 Corinthians 10:31 ) ; and enjoy the good of all his labour;
take the comfort of what he has been labouring for, and not lay it up for, and leave it to, he knows not who: the Targum is,

``and see good in his days, and cause his children, at the time of his death, to inherit all his labour;''

it [is] the gift of God;
not only to have, but to enjoy, and make a proper use of the mercies of life. This is the same doctrine which is delivered ( Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) .

Ecclesiastes 3:13 In-Context

11 It is beautiful how God has done everything at the right time. He has put a sense of eternity in people's minds. Yet, mortals still can't grasp what God is doing from the beginning to the end [of time].

12 I realize that there's nothing better for them to do than to be cheerful and enjoy what is good in their lives.

13 It is a gift from God to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work.

14 I realize that whatever God does will last forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken away from it. God does this so that people will fear him.

15 Whatever has happened [in the past] is present now. Whatever is going to happen [in the future] has already happened [in the past]. God will call the past to account.