Definition: For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 2:26 together. It's a really thought-provoking one! Here’s my explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about how God sees different kinds of people and what He wants them to do with their lives. It’s saying that God doesn’t just give good things to us; He also gives us opportunities to do good – to gather, to build, and to work hard – but it can also lead to frustration and unhappiness. Let's break down the parts: “For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight…” This means God gives us things we perceive as good – like wisdom, knowledge, and joy. It’s about recognizing something valuable. “…and to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up…” This is where it gets interesting. The “sinner” is someone who isn't doing good, someone who isn't trying to be helpful or righteous. God gives them a task – a job to work hard and build something. It’s like assigning them a responsibility that requires effort. “…that he may give to [him that is] good before God.” This is the key part. God wants us to focus on doing good before we even think about Him. It's about being purposeful and acting with a desire to please Him. “This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” This is where it gets a little more complex. It says that this effort – this “work” – can be frustrating and make us feel upset or anxious. It’s not always easy, and sometimes it leads to disappointment. So, what's the overall message? The verse suggests that while God gives us good things (wisdom, knowledge, joy), He also challenges us to use our talents and efforts to do good – to serve Him and make a positive impact on the world. It’s a reminder that true fulfillment comes from striving towards something greater than ourselves. It's about being purposeful and actively working for God’s purpose. Think of it like this: God wants you to be productive, but He also wants you to be driven by a desire to make the world better. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular theme in the Bible (like faith, righteousness, or purpose)?