When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? When good things increase,Material abundance often brings a larger household, greater obligations, and more people who expect to share in its benefits. In Israel and the wider ancient world, prosperous landowners supported servants, laborers, relatives, guests, and dependents. Wealth could be received as God’s provision, yet it also exposed the heart to pride and misplaced trust (Proverbs 11:28). Psa 62:10 Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods.… so do those who consume them; Increased possessions attract those who benefit from them, whether through legitimate service, family need, or selfish advantage. The owner discovers that abundance does not remove burdens; it often multiplies them. James likewise warns that riches gained or guarded without righteousness bring accountability before God (James 5:1–6). Pro 14:20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbor,… what then is the profit to the owner, The Preacher asks whether the accumulation itself gives lasting gain to the person who possesses it. A man may control great resources while lacking peace, contentment, or freedom from anxiety. Earthly wealth cannot secure the soul or preserve life, as Christ taught when He asked what profit there is in gaining the world and forfeiting one’s soul (Matthew 16:26). Pro 11:4 Riches are worthless in the day of wrath,… except to behold them with his eyes? The wealthy owner may have little more than the passing satisfaction of looking at what he cannot truly keep. Possessions can fill storehouses while leaving the heart empty. Jesus directs His people to seek treasure in heaven, where neither loss nor decay can destroy it (Matthew 6:19–21). Ecc 6:9 Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire.… Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive writings. 2. Israel - The nation over which Solomon reigned, experiencing prosperity and peace during his rule. 3. Consumers - Refers to those who partake in the increased goods, highlighting the societal dynamics of wealth distribution. 4. Owner - The individual who possesses wealth or goods, facing the challenge of finding true satisfaction in material abundance. Teaching Points The Illusion of Satisfaction in WealthMaterial abundance often attracts more consumers, leading to increased demands and responsibilities. True satisfaction cannot be found in wealth alone. The Burden of Ownership Owning more can lead to more worries and less peace. The owner may find himself merely observing his wealth rather than enjoying it. Contentment Over Accumulation The pursuit of contentment should take precedence over the accumulation of goods. Contentment is found in spiritual richness rather than material wealth. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Possessions Earthly possessions are temporary and can be lost or consumed by others. Investing in eternal values provides lasting fulfillment. Stewardship and Generosity Wealth should be viewed as a tool for stewardship and generosity, not merely for personal gain. Sharing with others can bring joy and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the increase of wealth lead to an increase in those who consume it, and what implications does this have for our understanding of stewardship?2. In what ways can we guard against the illusion that wealth will bring lasting satisfaction, as suggested in Ecclesiastes 5:11? 3. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 help us to prioritize our values in light of the message in Ecclesiastes 5:11? 4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate contentment in our lives, especially in a culture that often equates success with material abundance? 5. How can we use our resources to serve others and glorify God, reflecting the biblical principle of generosity and stewardship? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 23:4-5This passage warns against the futility of laboring to gain wealth, as riches can quickly disappear. It connects to Ecclesiastes 5:11 by emphasizing the transient nature of material possessions. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Paul speaks about the dangers of the love of money and the importance of godliness with contentment, paralleling the theme of Ecclesiastes 5:11 regarding the limited satisfaction wealth can provide. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning with the message in Ecclesiastes about the fleeting nature of earthly wealth.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Advantage, Beholding, Benefit, Consume, Consumers, Eat, Except, Feast, Gain, Goods, Increase, Increased, Multiplied, Multiplying, Owner, Owners, Possessor, Profit, Save, Saving, Sight, ThereofDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:8-15Library Naked or Clothed?'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Lessons for Worship and for Work Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church. Literature. Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii. There is a Blessedness in Reversion How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others. Covenanting Confers Obligation. Ecclesiastes Links Ecclesiastes 5:11 NIVEcclesiastes 5:11 NLT Ecclesiastes 5:11 ESV Ecclesiastes 5:11 NASB Ecclesiastes 5:11 KJV Ecclesiastes 5:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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