Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 2:10. It’s a really interesting and somewhat philosophical statement about happiness and contentment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that even though we were focused on something we wanted – like a particular task, achievement, or feeling – we didn't stop wanting anything! We simply enjoyed the process of working hard, and that joy was overflowing. It’s saying that true happiness isn’t found in stopping work, but in the doing of it. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them…” – This means we weren't actively avoiding something we wanted to do. We were simply focused on it. Think of it like you’re happily building a sandcastle – you’re working, but you’re enjoying the act of construction. “I withheld not my heart from any joy…” – This is crucial. Our hearts did rejoice! Our feelings of happiness and contentment were overflowing. It wasn't that we didn't want anything; we simply found pleasure in the activity itself. “For my heart rejoiced in all my labour.” – This is the core of the verse. The joy wasn’t just a fleeting feeling. It was a deep, sustained happiness that came from the effort and accomplishment of working hard. It was a sense of fulfillment that stemmed directly from the work itself. So, what does this say about happiness? The Bible suggests that true happiness isn't found in avoiding things we want, but in actively pursuing them and enjoying the process of doing so. It’s about finding joy in the effort and accomplishment – not just the end result. In a nutshell: It means that happiness is linked to our engagement with life and our enjoyment of the task at hand. --- Important Note: Ecclesiastes is often interpreted as a reflection on the human condition, and it's a bit complex. There’s no single "right" interpretation. However, this verse provides a good starting point for thinking about the importance of finding joy in our work and life! Would you like me to: Explain another part of Ecclesiastes? Talk about the context of the verse (when it was written)?