Ecclesiastes 5:18 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for 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 it is his portion.

Behold (that) which I have seen ... - in contrast to self-tormenting avarice. He returns to the sentiment in Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ecclesiastes 3:22. The Hebrew accent requires a stop at "seen," as in the English version [also the pointing is 'aaniy (H589), not 'aniy]; the next clause is literal. '(It is) good which (is also) comely (for one) to eat,' etc. "Good" for the man himself; "comely" in relation to others.

All the days of his life (literally, the number of the days of his life) which God giveth - namely, both the good of his labour and his life. 'The number of the days of his life' is a phrase implying the briefness of life, and therefore the folly of making earthly things, which are so soon ended, one's portion.

For it (is) his portion - legitimately. It is the only good to be gotten of one's goods. Such a one will use, not abuse, earthly things (1 Corinthians 7:31). Opposed to the anxious life of the covetous (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Ecclesiastes 5:17).

Ecclesiastes 5:18

18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for 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 it is his portion.