Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Ecclesiastes 5:8-20. In case you’re wondering, since I believe that Qohelet, known as the “Teacher” and the main speaker in Ecclesiastes, is best identified as King Solomon, I will refer to him interchangeably as Qohelet or Solomon.
Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 (NIV)
8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.
9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
On verses 8-9: Having seen it all, Qohelet presumes, both in his country and other countries, Qohelet tells his listeners not to be surprised when they see oppression and injustice, which he believes are commonplace.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (NIV)
10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
11 As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
On verses 10-11: Here Qohelet explains why the love of money is so dangerous: those who love money never have enough and are never satisfied (v10). An increase in goods that you own brings only marginal added benefit, Qohelet concludes (v11). Jesus would say something similar centuries later: Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, Jesus says, for a person’s life does not consist in their possessions (Luke 12:15).
Ecclesiastes 5:12-18 (NIV)
12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.
13 I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,
14 or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.
15 Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.
16 This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind?
17 All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him–for this is his lot.
On verses 12-18: Since wealth is so uncertain and cannot satisfy, and since life is short and full of pain, Qohelet encourages people to eat, drink and find satisfaction in their work every day. Truly it takes wisdom and skill to be able to enjoy one’s life on an ordinary day in a world where there is much frustration and where happiness eludes most people. How can you grow in the ability to enjoy life? Choose an attitude of gratitude, take no good thing for granted, and learn to take good care of yourself so that you can be at your most effective every day.
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NIV)
19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God.
20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
On verses 19-20: Not only does it take wisdom and skill to enjoy one’s life despite anything else, but even more it is the grace of God. Whenever you’re able to enjoy life, be sure to thank God for such a gift.
Father, thank You that enjoying life and serving Your purposes are not mutually exclusive but go hand in hand. I pray that every person reading this would have the wisdom and skill to enjoy their lives in a world where trouble and uncertainty tend to stress people out. Thank You that whenever we get to enjoy life, it is a gift from You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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