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Ecclesiastes 2:24
There is nothing better for a man,than that he should eat and drink, andthat he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that itwas from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Beholdthat which I have seen:it is good and comelyfor 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 itis his portion…

Ecclesiastes 6:2
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: thisis vanity, and itis an evil disease.

and find satisfaction in all his labor
The concept of finding satisfaction in one's work is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes. It reflects the idea that while life can be fleeting and sometimes seem meaningless, there is value and fulfillment in the work God has given each person to do. This satisfaction is not merely about material success but about finding joy and purpose in one's daily tasks. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, encouraging believers to work heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). The satisfaction in labor is a reminder of the dignity of work, as established inGenesis 2:15 when God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

this is the gift of God
This phrase underscores the belief that the ability to enjoy life and find satisfaction in one's work is a divine gift. It suggests that true contentment and joy are not achieved through human effort alone but are blessings bestowed by God. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). The acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and generosity is a central theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers to live with gratitude and reliance on God's provision. The gift of God here can also be seen as a type of the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, who offers eternal satisfaction and rest (John 4:14,Matthew 11:28-30).

“Also, that everyone should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

• This verse sits in the middle of Solomon’s reflection that God “has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

• Solomon has just stated, “I know that there is nothing better for men than to rejoice and to do good while they live” (Ecclesiastes 3:12). Verse 13 unfolds what that rejoicing looks like in daily life.

• The emphasis is not on random pleasure but on a God-ordained enjoyment that flows from recognizing Him as sovereign over time, seasons, and outcomes (Psalm 31:15).

• Everyday provisions—food and drink—are portrayed as legitimate spheres of joy, not mere survival mechanisms (Acts 14:17).

• God repeatedly invites His people to celebrate His goodness through meals (Deuteronomy 8:10;Luke 5:29).

• Enjoying what is on the table acknowledges the Creator as the Provider (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

• The inclusion of “every man” underscores universality; delight in God’s provision is not limited to kings or priests but extends to every household (Psalm 104:14-15).

• Labor is not cursed in itself; frustration came with the Fall, yet work remains God’s design (Genesis 2:15;Colossians 3:23-24).

• “Satisfaction” points to an inner contentment that rises when effort aligns with God’s purposes (Proverbs 14:23).

• Solomon is not promoting hedonism; he is endorsing a balanced life in which diligence and enjoyment coexist (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).

• Such satisfaction guards against envy and toil for self-glory (Galatians 6:4).

• The ability to relish simple blessings is itself bestowed by the Lord (James 1:17).

• Gifts imply grace: none can earn the capacity to enjoy; it is granted to those who fear God (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

• Recognizing enjoyment as a divine gift produces gratitude and keeps the heart from idolizing the gift over the Giver (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

• The verse steers believers away from ascetic denial on one extreme and godless indulgence on the other, calling instead for grateful stewardship (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Ecclesiastes 3:13 teaches that everyday pleasures—eating, drinking, productive work—are God-given joys meant to be embraced with gratitude. When believers receive their meals and their labor as divine gifts, they honor the One who orders every season of life, find wholesome contentment, and reflect His goodness in a world prone to either despair or excess.