How does Ecclesiastes 5:15 emphasize the futility of material wealth accumulation? Key Verse (Ecclesiastes 5:15) “As he came from his mother’s womb, naked he will depart as he came; he can take nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.” What the Picture Conveys - Birth and death frame every human life. Both moments are marked by complete lack of possessions. - The “naked” arrival and departure expose how temporary our relationship with material things truly is. Wealth’s Built-in Futility - No retention: Whatever is gained “under the sun” must be left behind at death. - No transfer: The verse underscores that nothing can “be carried in his hands,” cutting off any hope of personal transport to the afterlife. - No ultimate security: Because goods stay here when we leave, they cannot offer lasting security or identity. Echoes Throughout Scripture - Job 1:21 — “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.” - Psalm 49:16-17 — “Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich… for when he dies, he will carry nothing away.” - 1 Timothy 6:7 — “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” - Luke 12:20-21 — God calls the rich fool to account the night his barns are full, proving earthly wealth is powerless beyond the grave. Practical Takeaways • Hold possessions loosely; they are tools, not trophies. • Redirect ambition from accumulation to stewardship—using resources for God’s purposes while time remains. • Cultivate eternal investments: character, generosity, and devotion to Christ (Matthew 6:19-21). A Closing Thought Ecclesiastes 5:15 draws a stark line between what is temporary and what endures. By reminding us that we exit exactly as we entered—empty-handed—the verse makes it clear: piling up riches may fill barns, but it cannot fill the soul or follow us beyond the grave. |
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