5:19 To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions,
he has also given him the ability 1
to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil;
these things 2 are the gift of God.
9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, 3
do it with all your might,
because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, 4
the place where you will eventually go. 5
1 tn The syntax of this verse is difficult. The best approach is to view הִשְׁלִיטוֹ (hishlito, “he has given him the ability”) as governing the three following infinitives: לֶאֱכֹל (le’ekhol, “to eat”), וְלָשֵׂאת (vÿlase’t, “and to lift” = “to accept [or receive]”), and וְלִשְׂמֹחַ (vÿlismoakh, “and to rejoice”). This statement parallels 2:24-26 which states that no one can find enjoyment in life unless God gives him the ability to do so.
2 tn Heb “this.” The feminine singular demonstrative pronoun זֹה (zoh, “this”) refers back to all that preceded it in the verse (e.g., GKC 440-41 §135.p), that is, the ability to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor is the gift of God (e.g., Eccl 2:24-26). The phrase “these things” is used in the translation for clarity.
3 tn Heb “Whatever your hand finds to do.”
4 tn Heb “Sheol.”
5 tn Or “where you are about to go.”