Definition: For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and somewhat challenging verse from Ecclesiastes 2:22. It’s a really deep question about the meaning of life! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking: “What’s the point of all our hard work and worry if it ultimately amounts to nothing?” It’s essentially a reflection on the human condition. Let's unpack it word by word: “For what hath man of all his labour…” – This means "what has a person accomplished through their effort, their work, and their striving?" It's acknowledging that humans have worked hard – built houses, created things, performed tasks – and put in effort. “…and of the vexation of his heart?” – “Vexation” here refers to worry, anxiety, frustration, or distress. It’s a feeling of being bothered or troubled. “Wherein he hath laboured under the sun?” – This is the key part! The "sun" represents the relentless, often harsh and demanding nature of life - the heat, pressure, and constant activity of working and striving. So, putting it all together: The verse is saying that while humans do a lot of work and exert themselves, ultimately, these efforts don't lead to lasting happiness or fulfillment. They’re often accompanied by worry and distress – the feeling of being burdened by life's challenges. What does this mean for us? It suggests that: True contentment isn’t found in endless work: It doesn’t mean we should stop working, but it means we need to be mindful of how we approach our efforts and avoid letting worry consume us. Focus on the right things: The verse implies that true happiness comes from a deeper sense of purpose – things beyond just accumulating things or achieving goals. Important Note: Ecclesiastes is a philosophical poem, not necessarily about practical advice. It's exploring a deeper truth about human existence. --- In short, the verse is a reminder to find balance between our efforts and our emotional well-being. Do you want me to explain any of these points further, or would you like to explore another Bible verse? Perhaps you’d be interested in: A related quote from Ecclesiastes? How this verse relates to other philosophies (like Stoicism)?