Definition: For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it [for] his portion. This also [is] vanity and a great evil.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 2:21 together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat philosophical idea about the purpose of life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that true worth and fulfillment come not just from working hard, but from having a good foundation of knowledge, wisdom, and fairness – things that require effort and understanding. It suggests that if you don't actively cultivate these qualities, your life will be lacking in meaning and could even be considered a mistake. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity…” – This part acknowledges that some people do have a natural talent or inclination to learn and understand things well. It's not just about being busy; it’s about possessing the ability to think deeply and thoughtfully. “…and in equity…” – This is key. "Equity" means fairness, justice, and impartiality. It suggests that true value isn’t just about accumulating wealth or accomplishments, but about acting fairly with others. It's about treating people with respect and understanding. "...yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it [for] his portion." – This is the tricky part. "Labored therein" means actively working on these qualities - studying, thinking deeply, making good decisions. But if someone doesn’t put in the effort, they’ll simply lose that ability. It's like a seed planted without water and sunlight – it won't grow. “Leave it for his portion” means that without those skills, their life will be empty and incomplete. “This also is vanity and a great evil.” – The verse concludes with a warning. It suggests that focusing only on these things – knowledge, wisdom, and fairness – can lead to a negative outcome – a lack of fulfillment and potentially even unhappiness. It's presented as something that’s not good for the soul. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is essentially saying that true happiness and a meaningful life aren’t just about doing things, but about cultivating your mind and character through effort and understanding. It challenges us to think beyond simply accumulating wealth or accomplishments and to focus on developing our inner qualities – wisdom, knowledge, and fairness – because those are the foundations of a good and fulfilling existence. In simpler terms: It’s saying that genuine life satisfaction comes from actively learning and striving for goodness, not just passively doing things. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other biblical concepts (like the importance of righteousness)? Discuss how this verse relates to modern-day values like ethics and justice?