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Ecclesiastes 5:17-19
Contemporary English Version
Ecclesiastes 5:17-19
Contemporary English Version
17 Besides all this, they are always gloomy at mealtime, and they are troubled, sick, and bitter.[a]
18 What is the best thing to do in the short life God has given us? I think we should enjoy eating, drinking, and working hard. This is what God intends for us to do. 19 Suppose you are very rich and able to enjoy everything you own. Then go ahead and enjoy working hard—this is God's gift to you.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 5.17 bitter: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 17.
Ecclesiastes 5:17-19
New International Version
Ecclesiastes 5:17-19
New International Version
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(A) and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor(B) 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,(C) and the ability to enjoy them,(D) to accept their lot(E) and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.(F)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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