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 increaseThe phrase "good things" in Hebrew is "טוֹבָה" (tovah), which can refer to material wealth, possessions, or prosperity. Historically, the accumulation of wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing. However, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes challenges this notion by suggesting that increased wealth does not necessarily lead to increased satisfaction or happiness. The increase of "good things" can lead to a false sense of security and distract from spiritual pursuits. so do those who consume them
The Hebrew word for "consume" is "אֹכְלִים" (oklim), which implies not just eating but using up or depleting resources. This phrase highlights the reality that as wealth grows, so do the number of people who depend on or exploit that wealth. Historically, this could refer to servants, family members, or even opportunists who gather around a wealthy individual. The Preacher points out the futility in accumulating wealth only to have it consumed by others, emphasizing the transient nature of material possessions. And what benefit is there to the owner
The word "benefit" in Hebrew is "יְתֵרוֹן" (yitron), which can mean profit or advantage. The rhetorical question posed here suggests that the owner of wealth gains no real advantage from merely possessing it. This reflects a common theme in Ecclesiastes: the search for meaning and fulfillment beyond material wealth. The Preacher encourages readers to consider the true value of their possessions and to seek lasting, spiritual benefits rather than temporary, earthly ones. except to behold them with his eyes
The Hebrew word for "behold" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which means to see or perceive. This phrase underscores the idea that the only tangible benefit the owner receives from his wealth is the ability to look at it. This visual satisfaction is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. The Preacher uses this imagery to illustrate the vanity of placing one's hope and identity in material wealth. It serves as a reminder that true contentment and purpose are found in God, not in the accumulation of possessions. 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 OwnershipOwning more can lead to more worries and less peace. The owner may find himself merely observing his wealth rather than enjoying it. Contentment Over AccumulationThe 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 PossessionsEarthly possessions are temporary and can be lost or consumed by others. Investing in eternal values provides lasting fulfillment. Stewardship and GenerosityWealth 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 6:6-10Paul 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 6:19-21Jesus 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 5:8-15 5916 pessimism Ecclesiastes 5:10-14 8812 riches, ungodly use Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 5907 miserliness Library 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 ScriptureLessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 5:11 NIVEcclesiastes 5:11 NLTEcclesiastes 5:11 ESVEcclesiastes 5:11 NASBEcclesiastes 5:11 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:11 Commentaries
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