What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 6:2? God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor “God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor” (Ecclesiastes 6:2a). • Scripture insists that every material blessing is from God’s sovereign hand (Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Chronicles 29:12; Proverbs 10:22; James 1:17). • Solomon is not criticizing wealth itself; he is underscoring that the Lord alone distributes it. • The phrase reminds us that earthly success is no proof of personal greatness; it is a stewardship entrusted by the Giver. so that he lacks nothing his heart desires “…so that he lacks nothing his heart desires” (6:2b). • Total abundance can foster the illusion of self-sufficiency (cf. Luke 12:16-19; Revelation 3:17). • God sometimes allows hearts to be filled with possessions to expose how quickly they fail to satisfy (Psalm 23:1; Proverbs 3:13-16). • Having everything is not the same as having what matters (Matthew 6:19-21). but God does not allow him to enjoy them “yet God does not allow him to enjoy them” (6:2c). • Enjoyment is as much a divine gift as the riches themselves (Ecclesiastes 5:19). • The Lord may withhold delight to call a person back to Himself (Psalm 106:15; Matthew 16:26). • Without fellowship with God, even the best gifts feel empty (Proverbs 15:16). Instead, a stranger will enjoy them “but a stranger enjoys them instead” (6:2d). • Wealth easily slips from its owner to others—through death, misfortune, or judgment (Job 27:16-17; Luke 12:20). • God warned Israel that disobedience would let foreigners consume their harvests (Deuteronomy 28:33). • The lesson: cling to the Giver, not the gift, because possessions are never really ours (Jeremiah 17:11). This is futile and a grievous affliction “This is futile and a grievous affliction” (6:2e). • “Futile” (hebel) captures life’s vapor-like quality apart from God (Ecclesiastes 1:2). • The ache Solomon describes traces back to the curse on fallen creation (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:20). • When life is centered on gain instead of God, sorrow is inevitable (Psalm 39:6). summary Ecclesiastes 6:2 paints the picture of a man who possesses everything outwardly but experiences no inward joy because God withholds the power to enjoy. The passage warns that wealth, honor, and abundance find meaning only when received with gratitude and used for God’s purposes. Without the Giver, the gifts can pass to strangers and leave the original owner hollow and afflicted. True fulfillment flows not from what we have, but from knowing, fearing, and glorifying the Lord who gives—and can withhold—every good thing. |
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