Ecc 3:22, 5:18 | JFB | STEP | 22. (Compare ). Inculcating a thankful enjoyment of God's gifts, and a cheerful discharge of man's duties, founded on fear of God; not as the sensualist ( ); not as the anxious money-seeker ( ). his portion —in the present life. If it were made his main portion, it would be "vanity" ( ). for who, &c.—Our ignorance as to the future, which is God's "time" ( ), should lead us to use the present time in the best sense and leave the future to His infinite wisdom ( ).

Ecclesiastes 3:22

22. (Compare Ec 3:12; 5:18). Inculcating a thankful enjoyment of God's gifts, and a cheerful discharge of man's duties, founded on fear of God; not as the sensualist (Ec 11:9); not as the anxious money-seeker (Ec 2:23; 5:10-17).

his portion—in the present life. If it were made his main portion, it would be "vanity" (Ec 2:1; Lu 16:25).

for who, &c.—Our ignorance as to the future, which is God's "time" (Ec 3:11), should lead us to use the present time in the best sense and leave the future to His infinite wisdom (Mt 6:20, 25, 31-34).

Ecclesiastes 5:18

18. Returns to the sentiment (Ec 3:12, 13, 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 (1Co 7:31). Opposed to the anxious life of the covetous (Ec 5:10, 17).