How does Ecclesiastes 5:14 warn against placing trust in material wealth? Setting the scene Solomon surveys life “under the sun” and records a sorrowful sight: people who once hoarded riches awaken to find those riches suddenly gone. Their trust collapses with their treasure. The passage “or wealth lost in a bad venture, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.” (Ecclesiastes 5:14) Key observations • Wealth can evaporate “in a bad venture.” No matter how shrewd or diversified, earthly assets remain vulnerable. • The loss is total—“nothing left.” Material security proves shockingly fragile. • The collapse affects the next generation. The father’s plans to provide an inheritance vanish, underscoring how unreliable money is as a legacy. Biblical principles highlighted 1. Earthly wealth is unstable. Proverbs 23:5—“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone…” 2. Trusting riches brings disappointment. Proverbs 11:28—“He who trusts in his riches will fall…” 3. God alone guarantees lasting security. Psalm 62:10—“If your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” Implications for daily life • Hold possessions loosely. Recognize every asset as temporary stewardship, not permanent security. • Diversify hope, not portfolios. Place ultimate confidence in the Lord, not market performance. • Measure success by faithfulness, not by balance sheets. Treasury in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) cannot be wiped out by “bad ventures.” • Model generational faith, not just inheritance. The most valuable legacy is a life that teaches children to trust God (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). Supporting scriptures • Matthew 6:19-21—Jesus urges storing treasures in heaven, “where neither moth nor rust destroy.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—Paul commands the rich “not to set their hope on uncertainty of riches but on God.” • James 5:1-3—Riches “have rotted,” underscoring their temporary nature. Takeaway truths • Wealth promises security it cannot keep. • Loss exposes whether our confidence rested on cash or on Christ. • Only treasure laid up with God holds value that cannot be lost, stolen, or squandered. |
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