This short period of rejuvenation is healthy in many ways. It is important for us to understand that life is about more than work and money. Life is something that we should enjoy and value, which cannot be done if we never take a break from our labor. Solomon offers some advice along these lines in his book about life. He said, “Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor-this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

This is a theme of Solomon’s throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. The basic thought is as follows: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,” but don’t work so hard that you cannot enjoy life (Eccl. 9:9-10). Solomon encourages his readers to do work they enjoy, and do their work with all their strength. But he also says that it is worthwhile to take a break sometimes and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether he is speaking of the break after a hard days work, when the family sits around the table to enjoy a meal, or the break after a year of hard work, when we slow down for a few weeks to enjoy time with family and friends, Solomon tells us that it is proper for us to rejoice in our labor (Eccl. 5:19). Solomon gives us a few reasons why “it is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor…”

First, Solomon says that enjoying life “is the gift of God.” God created a beautiful and glorious earth, he created a variety of foods, He gave us 24 hours in a day to balance work and leisure. Although He is most concerned with us living faithfully, He also wants us to find joy in life. We need to use some of our time to enjoy God’s creation. The man who has worked hard and has been blessed by God should “enjoy the good of all his labor….for it is his heritage.” The word heritage means “portion.” In other words, this is what God has given him. Since enjoying life is a gift from God, we need to accept His gift with joy. God created the world in six days, and He rested on the seventh. He later established the Sabbath day for the children of Israel (Ex. 20:8-11). Obviously, God is in favor of taking a break every once in a while.

Second, The man who takes time to enjoy life “will not dwell unduly on the days of his life.” To “dwell unduly” on something means you think about it excessively. So many older people live with regret. That is what happens when one does not stop periodically to relax, reflect, and rejoice. It’s sad when one is left to reflect on what could have been if they had only taken the time to enjoy life. No one wants to sit at home when they are old thinking, “I wish I would have taken that European vacation,” or “I should have taken the family for a ski trip in Colorado when the kids were younger,” or, simply “I should have taken my wife out to dinner more often.” But those who are “too busy” to enjoy life now, will, eventually, “dwell unduly” on the days of their life. How sad. Listen to Solomon’s advice. Take time to rejoice in your labor.

Third, If we will take time to enjoy life, every part of life will be enjoyable. Why does work get tiring and unbearable sometimes? Because it seems like that is where we are spending all of our time. We work, work, work and leave no time for relaxation. On the other hand, it can be quite annoying, and unsatisfying, to sit around the house with nothing to do everyday. The lazy man and the workaholic are both unsatisfied with life. Solomon tells us how to live a satisfying life. We have to find the proper balance. “Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life….Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” We need spend quality time enjoying life with our family and friends. God has given us these great blessings, we should enjoy them. But we also need to work hard and enjoy our labor. If we spend too much time doing one, and neglecting the other, life ceases to be as enjoyable and unsatisfying as it could be.

It is true that we can only eat, drink and enjoy the good of our labor if we work. But we will only enjoy our work if we take some time to enjoy the fruit of our labor. Solomon promotes good balance to life. Proper balance between work and rest is vital to enjoying life. “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat,” said Paul to the Christians in Thessalonica. Certainly we must be hard working individuals. We need work like we are working for the Lord (Eph. 6:7). But sometimes we need to rest, relax, and rejoice in the fruit of our labor. If anyone will work, let him “rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.” Do not forget to take a break every now and then to enjoy life, and to thank God for our many blessings.