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 labour 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.

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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) 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.(G)

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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.

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.

20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

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18 Here is what I have seen: (A)It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; (B)for it is his [a]heritage. 19 As for (C)every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his [b]heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the (D)gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Lit. portion
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Lit. portion