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We may naturally assume that those who "have it all" pursue pleasure and avoid work. But it ain't necessarily so. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon's autobiographical book, he notes that he "found great pleasure in hard work" (2:10). But he also eventually concluded that work—along with knowledge, money, and popularity—will leave people feeling empty unless it's tied to God's purpose for their lives. "Satisfaction in work," he concluded (in 2:24), "is from the hand of God."

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

1. In this paragraph, what two things does Solomon single out as gifts from God?
2. What attitudes would prevent you from seeing work as a gift from God?
3. What outlook would enable you to accept work as His gift?
4. Why is confidence in your own efforts, abilities, and wisdom alone inadequate?
5. Why is work without reference to God ultimately unsatisfying?
6. Why do you think God has given you the abilities and opportunities that are yours?

Ask God to help you value your work in its proper place, as an assignment from Him to be carried out in light of the eternal.

18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, and enjoy their work—whatever they do under the sun—for however long God lets them live. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—that is indeed a gift from God. 20 People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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