What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 6:7? All a man’s labor “All a man’s labor” points to the daily grind every person experiences. From the farmer plowing fields to the employee clocking in at sunrise, Scripture consistently describes work as part of God’s good—but fallen—order (Genesis 2:15; 3:17-19). Consider how other verses echo this reality: Proverbs 14:23 affirms, “All hard work brings a profit,” yet reminds us profit alone cannot fill the deeper needs of the soul. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul insists, “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat,” underscoring personal responsibility. Work, therefore, is necessary, honorable, and God-ordained. Key observations: • Work provides dignity and purpose (Ephesians 4:28). • Labor teaches stewardship and dependence on God (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Even righteous toil is limited in what it can accomplish for the heart (Psalm 127:1-2). Is for his mouth The next phrase narrows our focus to the most immediate outcome of labor: “his mouth,” meaning the basic needs of life—food, shelter, clothing (cf. Matthew 6:31-32). God intends work to supply these necessities (Proverbs 16:26 notes, “The worker’s appetite works for him”). Yet Scripture warns against reducing life to mere consumption. Jesus cautions, “Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). Practical takeaways: • Earning a living is good, but it is only the starting point. • God’s provision meets physical needs so we can pursue higher purposes—loving Him and serving others (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • When “the mouth” becomes the chief aim, we risk idolatry of comfort (Philippians 3:19). Yet his appetite is never satisfied Here is the tension: even when labor successfully fills “the mouth,” appetite keeps calling. Ecclesiastes earlier observes, “Whoever loves money never has money enough” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Likewise, Isaiah 55:2 asks, “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” The human heart, designed for fellowship with God, cannot be filled by material provision alone. Solomon, the author, testifies from experience that wealth, pleasure, and achievement can’t quench the deeper thirst (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). Truths to remember: • Physical appetite renews daily; spiritual appetite remains until met in Christ (John 4:13-14). • Endless striving without eternal perspective breeds frustration (Luke 12:15-21). • Contentment comes from trusting God’s sufficiency (Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:11-13). summary Ecclesiastes 6:7 exposes the cycle of work, consumption, and lingering desire. God calls us to labor diligently, recognizing His provision meets real needs. Yet the verse warns that if life revolves around satisfying physical cravings, contentment will always stay just out of reach. True fulfillment comes when we see work as a gift, receive daily bread with gratitude, and look beyond the temporal to the One who alone satisfies the soul. |
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