Everything Under the Sun

In chapter 2 the Preacher runs an experiment. I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure. He pursued great projects: I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards. I made myself gardens and parks. He gathered silver and gold, singers, servants, and herds. Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them.

His verdict: Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. Yet he perceived that one event happens to them all; the wise man must die just like the fool. Knowing he must leave his labor to another grieved him deeply.

The chapter turns at verse 24: There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. Enjoyment is not found by grasping, but received as a gift. For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy. In the New Testament, Paul writes that God richly provides us with everything to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).