Ecclesiastes 5:19

19 It is a gift from God when God gives some people wealth and possessions, the power to enjoy them, [the ability] to accept their lot in life, and [the ability] to rejoice in their own hard work.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth
Which include the whole of a man's substance; all his estate, personal and real; and all his goods and possessions, movable and immovable, as gold, silver, cattle, fields, and farms; which are all the gift of God, by whatsoever means they may be acquired or possessed; and hath given him power;
or, "caused him to have dominion" ^F18, over his wealth and riches, and not be a slave to them, as many are: but to have so much command of them and of himself, as to eat thereof;
comfortably enjoy them; and dispose of them to his own good, the good of others, and the glory of God. It follows, and to take his portion;
which God hath allotted him; to take it thankfully, and use it freely and comfortably; and to rejoice in his labour;
in the things he has been labouring for, in a cheerful use of them; blessing God for them, and taking the comfort of them; this [is] the gift of God;
to have such power over his substance, and not be a slave to it, and to enjoy the fruits of his labour, in a cheerful and comfortable manner; this is as much the gift of God as riches themselves ^F19.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 (wjylvh) "eumque dominari eum fecerit", Tigurine version; "imperare fecit eum", Gejerus; "dominari eum fecerit", Rambachius.
F19 "Di tibi divitias dederunt, artemque fruendi", Horat. Ep. l. 1. Ep. 4. v. 7.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 In-Context

17 They spend their entire lives in darkness, in constant frustration, sickness, and resentment.

18 At last I have seen what is good and beautiful: It is to eat and drink and to enjoy the good in all our hard work under the sun during the brief lives God gives us. That is our lot [in life].

19 It is a gift from God when God gives some people wealth and possessions, the power to enjoy them, [the ability] to accept their lot in life, and [the ability] to rejoice in their own hard work.

20 These people won't give much thought to their brief lives because God keeps them occupied with the joy in their hearts.