This wise man suggests that we are fulfilled in our lives when we work hard, do good, and enjoy the blessings of God. Working hard without doing good is ungodly. Working hard without enjoying life is tragic. There are workaholics who live to work instead of working to live. They are often too busy to do good and enjoy life. The wise man calls this vanity or meaningless (Ecclesiastes 2:17-23). Doing good without enjoyment is legalistic drudgery. Enjoying life without making a contribution to the world is wasteful and selfish.
Many people who work hard or party hard reach a point in life where they realize that there must be more to life than what they are doing. Even some Christians are searching for purpose and meaning in their lives. They are trying to find their way, often without really knowing where they are trying to go. We need to be reminded that reverence for God and service to Him are the main things in life. We find fulfilment in living for something greater than ourselves. When we work hard, do good, and serve God, we can enjoy what God has provided.