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 Here is what I have seen to be (A)good and [a]fitting: to eat, to drink, and [b]enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few [c]years of his life which God has given him; for this is his [d](B)reward. 19 Furthermore, as for every person to whom (C)God has given riches and wealth, He has also (D)given him the opportunity to [e]enjoy them and to receive his [f]reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the (E)gift of God. 20 For he will not often call to mind the [g]years of his life, because (F)God keeps [h]him busy with the joy of his heart.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Lit beautiful
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Lit see good
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Or days
  4. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Or share
  5. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Lit eat from it
  6. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Or share
  7. Ecclesiastes 5:20 Or days
  8. Ecclesiastes 5:20 As in LXX