What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:13? There is a grievous evil - Scripture does not soften the verdict; Solomon labels this practice “a grievous evil,” a moral wrong, not merely an unfortunate habit (cf. Proverbs 28:22; Isaiah 5:20). - Evil in this context is measured by God’s standards, reminding us that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). - The word “grievous” underscores injury both to God’s order and to human well-being, aligning with Proverbs 11:24—“One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” I have seen under the sun - Solomon writes from firsthand observation; this is not theory but life lived “under the sun,” an earthly viewpoint repeatedly echoed in Ecclesiastes 1:14; 2:17; 3:16. - His perspective invites readers to consider what is plainly visible to anyone paying attention: misplaced trust in riches (Psalm 49:6-9; Mark 10:23-25). - By citing what he “has seen,” Solomon anticipates Paul’s charge in 1 Timothy 6:17: “Command those who are rich… not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain.” Wealth hoarded - Hoarding means stockpiling beyond legitimate need, motivated by fear or greed rather than stewardship (Luke 12:15). - In God’s economy, wealth is a tool to bless others (Ephesians 4:28) and advance His purposes (Proverbs 3:9). - When stored selfishly: • It stagnates instead of serving (Matthew 25:24-27). • It breeds anxiety, not peace (Ecclesiastes 5:10). • It invites corrosion—“Your gold and silver are corroded” (James 5:2-3). - Contrast: generous distribution leads to flourishing (Proverbs 11:25; Acts 20:35). To the harm of its owner - Ironically, the hoarder becomes the first casualty. Riches promise security, yet cause sleepless nights (Ecclesiastes 5:12). - Spiritual harm: wealth can choke the word, rendering it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). - Emotional harm: fear of loss, envy, and isolation (Proverbs 15:27). - Eternal harm: if wealth becomes an idol, it jeopardizes the soul (Matthew 6:24; Luke 12:20-21). - The principle is clear: “whoever trusts in his riches will fall” (Proverbs 11:28). summary Ecclesiastes 5:13 exposes the serious sin of hoarding. Solomon’s eyewitness assessment shows that stockpiling riches out of selfishness is a grave offense against God, plainly observable in everyday life, and ultimately destructive to the very person seeking security in wealth. Scripture consistently calls believers to view money as a stewardship, to give freely, and to find true safety in the Lord rather than in accumulated possessions. |
    |