The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

What hath man of all his labor? i.e. what is to be the result to man? γίνεται ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ;; Quidenim proderit homini? (Vulgate). There is, indeed, the pleasure that accompanies the pursuit of objects, and the successful accomplishment of enterprise; but this is poor and unsubstantial and embittered.

And of the vexation of his heart; the striving, the effort of his mind to direct his labor to great ends. What does all this produce? The answer intended is," Nothing." This striving, with all its wisdom and knowledge and skill (Ecclesiastes 2:21), is for the laborer fruitless.

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