For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
For (God) giveth to a man that (is) good in his sight wisdom, ... and joy. True, literally, in the Jewish theocracy, and in some measure in all ages (Job 27:16-17; Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 28:8). Though the retribution be not so visible and immediate now as then, it is no less real. Happiness even here is more truly the portion of the godly. God gives the godly power to enjoy what they have (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 84:11; Matthew 5:5; Mark 10:29-30; Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 4:8).
But to the sinner he giveth travail ... to heap up, that he (the sinner) may give to (him that is) good before God - i:e., unconsciously and in spite of himself. The godly Solomon had satisfaction in his riches and wisdom, when God gave them, (2 Chronicles 1:1-17.) The backsliding Solomon had no happiness when he sought it in them apart from God, and the riches which he heaped up became the prey of Shishak, (2 Chronicles 12:1-16.)
This also (this gathering and heaping up of goods by sinners, without enjoying them) (is) vanity and vexation of spirit - by God's righteously retributive appointment.