Definition: What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Ecclesiastes 3:9 together. It's a really interesting and philosophical verse! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking a question about the purpose of our efforts – what good does all that work actually bring us? It’s essentially saying, “Does working hard always lead to happiness or fulfillment?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “What profit hath he…” : Think of "profit" as a reward, an advantage, something worthwhile. It’s about getting something good out of your work. “…that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?” : This is the tricky part! “Worketh” means to do something. “Where he laboureth” means he’s spending his time and energy – he's busy working. So, the verse is asking: "What good does all this busy work actually bring him?" Putting it together – A Simple Interpretation: The writer of Ecclesiastes is suggesting that if we spend our lives only focusing on working hard and accumulating things, there’s no real satisfaction or benefit. It's like building a house with strong walls but not considering the comfort inside. It suggests that true happiness isn't found in material possessions or endless toil. The Key Takeaway: The verse is calling us to look beyond just doing things and consider what truly matters – peace, contentment, wisdom, and a deeper connection with God. It’s about finding meaning and fulfillment in a way that goes beyond just earning money or achieving goals. In short, the verse is urging us to ask ourselves: "What's the point of all this work? Is it truly bringing us happiness?" --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ecclesiastes 3? Discuss the context of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like wisdom or the human condition)?