How does Ecclesiastes 5:17 describe the emotional state of a laborer? Setting the Scene “Moreover, he eats in darkness all his days, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.” (Ecclesiastes 5:17) Key Words and Phrases • eats in darkness • all his days • much sorrow • sickness • anger What “Eats in Darkness” Conveys • Isolation—life feels shut off from light, joy, and companionship (cf. Job 30:26). • Hiddenness—work becomes a private, joyless routine rather than a shared celebration (cf. Matthew 6:22–23). Emotional Load Described • Sorrow—deep, ongoing grief over unfulfilled expectations. • Sickness—physical drain that mirrors the inner turmoil; stress erodes health (Proverbs 14:30). • Anger—frustration at the futility of toil; resentment when rewards seem fleeting (Genesis 3:17–19). Why the Laborer Feels This Way • Misplaced focus: labor pursued merely for wealth, not for God’s glory (Ecclesiastes 5:10). • Fear of loss: possessions can vanish overnight (Proverbs 23:4–5). • Lack of contentment: craving “more” denies present blessings (1 Timothy 6:9–10). Contrast: God’s Intended Alternative • Enjoyment of simple gifts—“It is the gift of God when a man… finds satisfaction in all his toil” (Ecclesiastes 5:19). • Restful trust—“He gives sleep to His beloved” (Psalm 127:2). • Contentment in Christ—“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11–12). Takeaway in a Sentence Ecclesiastes 5:17 paints the laborer’s emotional state as one of bleak isolation, persistent sorrow, draining sickness, and simmering anger—an unavoidable outcome whenever work is divorced from grateful fellowship with God. |
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