What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under sun?~ The Preacher's Answer ~
(suggested midi - Sanctuary)
I Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and peculiar treasure of kings and of provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and delights of sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set world in their heart, so that no man can find out work that God maketh from beginning to end. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good of all his labour, it is gift of God.
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. I said in mine heart, God shall judge righteous and wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Moreover profit of earth is for all: king himself is served by field.
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good of all his labour that he taketh under sun all days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.