Definition: Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 9:9. It's a surprisingly complex idea, but we can unpack it piece by piece. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse isn’t about literally enjoying your wife every single day. Instead, it’s saying that happiness and contentment in your relationship with her is a significant part of life – both in the short-term and long-term. It suggests that finding joy and fulfillment in your marriage is crucial for a good life. Let's break down the parts: “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity…” This is the key part. "Vanity" here means being overly concerned with appearances, possessions, or status. The verse encourages you to live your relationship with her with a joyful and appreciative heart – not constantly focused on what you lack or how you compare yourself to others. It’s about appreciating the good things in your marriage and focusing on the love and connection. “…which he hath given thee under the sun…” This means that this joy and happiness isn't something given to you; it's a natural part of life, like the sun shining – a constant and observable aspect of existence. “all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” This is where it gets more profound. "Vanity" refers to being consumed by thoughts about what you lack or how you're not good enough. The verse suggests that even when you’re working hard and striving , your happiness shouldn't be solely dependent on these fleeting, often negative feelings of vanity. It means that true contentment comes from appreciating the blessings you have, regardless of how much you work. The "portion in this life" is a reminder to find joy even amidst challenges. In essence, it’s a call to cultivate a balanced and appreciative relationship with your partner. It's not about being perpetually ecstatic (which can be unhealthy), but about finding contentment and meaning within the context of your marriage – recognizing that happiness isn’t solely about accumulating things or achieving goals. It’s a reminder that lasting happiness comes from appreciating what you have, both in your relationship and in your life as a whole. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted metaphorically, not literally. It's about finding fulfillment within the context of your marriage – enjoying it, appreciating each other, and being content with the blessings you receive. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its connection to other biblical teachings? Would you like a more detailed explanation of a particular part of the verse?