Ecclesiastes 2:18

French OST (Ostervald)

Et j'ai haï tout le travail que j'ai fait sous le soleil; parce que je le laisserai à l'homme qui sera après moi.

What Does This Mean?

The writer, likely King Solomon, expresses his frustration that all the hard work he did will be left to someone else after he dies. He felt his labor was meaningless because he wouldn't benefit from it in the end.

Explained for Children

Imagine you work really hard to build a beautiful sandcastle on the beach, but then you have to leave and someone else gets to play with it. That's how Solomon felt about all his hard work.

Historical Background

Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around the 10th century BC. Solomon wrote this to reflect on life's meaning and purpose, addressing the frustration and futility he experienced despite his wealth and wisdom.

Living It Out Today

Consider a person who works hard to build a successful business, only to hand it over to an heir who doesn't appreciate the effort put into it. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a sense of the futility of life's endeavors.

Topics

• meaning
• futility
• inheritance
• wisdom
• life purpose
• wealth

Related Verses

• Ecclesiastes 1:15
• Ecclesiastes 3:9
• Ecclesiastes 4:9
• Psalms 39:6
• Matthew 6:19

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Solomon feel this way about his labor?

Solomon felt this way because he realized that all his hard work and achievements would eventually be passed on to someone else who might not appreciate it, leading to a sense of frustration and meaninglessness.

Does this verse suggest that all work is futile?

The verse highlights the frustration of working hard only to have someone else benefit from it. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that all work is futile but rather questions the ultimate purpose and benefit of one's labor in life.

How can this verse be applied in a modern context?

In a modern context, this verse can be applied to situations where individuals invest time and effort into projects or businesses that will eventually be handed over to others, such as family businesses or retirement plans.

What does this teach us about inheritance?

This verse teaches us that inheritance can be bittersweet. While passing on your work to others can be a way to ensure continuity, it can also lead to a feeling of loss and the question of whether the inheritor will value the same things you did.