Ecclesiastes 5:18

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 5:18–end

Solomon, from the vanity of riches hoarded up, here infers that the best course we can take is to use well what we have, to serve God with it, to do good with it, and take the comfort of it to ourselves and our families; this he had pressed before, Ecc 2:24; Ecc 3:22. Observe, 1. What it is that is here recommended to us, not to indulge the appetites of the flesh, or to take up with present pleasures or profits for our portion, but soberly and moderately to make use of what Providence has allotted for our comfortable passage through this world. We must not starve ourselves through covetousness, because we cannot afford ourselves food convenient, nor through eagerness in our worldly pursuits,…

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:18

Returns to the sentiment (Ecc 3:12-13, Ecc 3:22); translate: "Behold the good which I have seen, and which is becoming" (in a man). which God giveth--namely, both the good of his labor and his life. his portion--legitimately. It is God's gift that makes it so when regarded as such. Such a one will use, not abuse, earthly things (Co1 7:31). Opposed to the anxious life of the covetous (Ecc 5:10, Ecc 5:17).

John Gill on Ecclesiastes 5:18

Behold that which I have seen,.... Observed, considered and approved of, and which he recommended and excited attention to, and is as follows; it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink; to make use of the creatures God has given for service in a free and liberal manner, without excess, and with moderation; and not deprive a man's self of those things he may lawfully partake of, and are necessary for him: to do this is good for himself, and for the health of his body; and is right in the sight of God, and is comely before men; it is not only lawful, but laudable. There is another version and sense of the words, "it is good to eat and drink him that is fair" (q), or comely; Christ, wh…

Keil & Delitzsch