Ecclesiastes 5:18

“Behold that which I have seen, etc.] Observed, considered and approved of, and which he recommended and excited attention to, and is as follows; [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink; to make use of the creatures God has given for service in a free and liberal manner, without excess, and with moderation; and not deprive a man’s self of those things he may lawfully partake of, and are necessary for him: to do this is good for himself, and for the health of his body; and is right in the sight of God, and is comely before men; it is not only lawful, but laudable. There is another version and sense of the words, “it is good to eat and drink him that is fair”f139, or comely;…”

“Returns to the sentiment (Ecc 3:12-13, Ecc 3:22); translate: "Behold the good which I have seen, and which is becoming" (in a man). which God giveth--namely, both the good of his labor and his life. his portion--legitimately. It is God's gift that makes it so when regarded as such. Such a one will use, not abuse, earthly things (Co1 7:31). Opposed to the anxious life of the covetous (Ecc 5:10, Ecc 5:17).”

“Rather, Behold what I have seen to be good, it is pleasant for a man to eat. Such thankful enjoyment is inculcated by the Law Deuteronomy 12:7, Deuteronomy 12:18. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Good - Good or comfortable to a man's self, and comely or amiable in the eye of other men. His portion - Of worldly goods; he hath a better portion in heaven. This liberty is given him by God, and this is the best advantage, as to this life, which he can make of them. Ecclesiastes 5:19”

“5:18-20 The prescription for enjoying life is repeated: We should enjoy our food, drink, and work and appreciate them as gifts from God.”

“it is good and comely: Heb. there is a good which is comely, etc. Ecc 2:24, Ecc 3:12, Ecc 3:13, Ecc 3:22, Ecc 8:15, Ecc 9:7, Ecc 11:9; Ti1 6:17 the days: Heb. the number of the days it is his: Ecc 2:10, Ecc 3:22; Jer 52:34 Ecclesiastes 5:19”

“"Behold then what I have seen as good, what as beautiful (is this): that one eat and drink and see good in all his labour with which he wearieth himself, under the sun, throughout the number of the days of his life which God hath given him; for that is his portion." Toward this seeing, i.e., knowing from his own experience, his effort went forth, according to Ecc 2:3; and what he here, Ecc 5:17, Ecc 5:18, expresses as his resultat, he has already acknowledged at Ecc 2:24 and Ecc 3:12. With "behold" he here returns to it; for he says, that from the observations just spoken of, as from others, no other resultat befell him. Instead of ר טובה (here and at Ecc 6:6), he as often uses the words טוב…”