Ecclesiastes 5:19

19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 in Other Translations

KJV
19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
ESV
19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil--this is the gift of God.
NLT
19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.
MSG
19 Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift!
CSB
19 God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God,

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.


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 All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.
19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.
20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

Cross References 4

  • 1. S 1 Chronicles 29:12; 2 Chronicles 1:12
  • 2. Ecclesiastes 6:2
  • 3. S Job 31:2
  • 4. S Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:13
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