• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"It is his heritage"

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:18

A BALANCED VIEW

Solomon sought to come up with a balanced view of life. His insights are practical and of great value.

“Here is what I have seen:
It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink,
and to enjoy the good of all his labour
in which he toils under the sun
all the days of his life which God gives him;
for it is his heritage.”
Ecclesiastes 5:18

1. “Here is what I have seen”

a) Solomon’s study was based on actual sight.

b) He devoted much time to see things from a personal eye-witness viewpoint.

2. His suggestions

a) “It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink”

i) There is no need to “eat in darkness”.

ii) It is not wrong to take time out to do other things other than work.

iii) To eat and drink is normal.

iv) In fact, it may be described as “good and fitting”.

b) “And to enjoy the good of all his labour”

i) The good of all his labour refers to the “profit” or “returns” he would have.

ii) He may take time to “enjoy” the fruit of his labour.

c) “In which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him”

i) The worker is to be commended for toiling hard under the sun.

ii) He has proven himself faithful.

iii) He has worked diligently “all the days of his life”.

iv) God has given work for him to do.

v) He has done his part in fulfilling what God has given him to do.

d) “For it is his heritage”

i) The word “heritage” suggests “an inheritance”.

ii) This inheritance is given by God.

iii) He is to enjoy his inheritance from God.

iv) He may look forward to giving his inheritance to his family.

v) God does not want us to work without also enjoying the fruit of our labour.