Ecclesiastes 2:26 (KJV) For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. 

The gift of God is wisdom, knowledge and joy, directing man’s way for His good. But for the persistent sinner who refuses to repent, He gives him up to his travail for such travail is self-inflicted, to gather and to heap up so that he may turn back to Him.

Honest, hard work is well rewarded by the LORD was the thought preceding – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (KJV)  There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? 

To them to hearken to the LORD, He guides and blesses for His glory.