This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? This too is a grievous affliction:The certainty that wealth, achievement, and labor cannot be carried beyond death weighs heavily on the Preacher’s heart. Even the greatest earthly success cannot remove the curse of mortality introduced through sin. The phrase highlights the deep sorrow and frustration that the Preacher, traditionally understood as Solomon, whose name means “peaceful,” feels about the futility of human endeavors. The term “grievous affliction” suggests a profound burden or misfortune, echoing the themes of vanity and meaninglessness found throughout Ecclesiastes. This sentiment is consistent with the book's exploration of life's transient nature and the limitations of human wisdom and effort. Ecc 6:1 There is another evil I have seen under the sun,… Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. Every person enters the world with empty hands and leaves it the same way. Job confessed, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return” (Job 1:21), and Paul likewise taught that “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Timothy 6:7). Kings and laborers alike stand equal before the grave. Job 1:21 Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return.… What does he gain as he toils for the wind? Labor devoted only to temporary possessions and personal advancement cannot secure lasting profit. Work itself is God’s good gift, but work pursued apart from God becomes a futile attempt to grasp what cannot be held. Christ directs His people to store up treasure in heaven, where death and decay cannot destroy it (Matthew 6:19–21). Ecc 1:3 What does a man gain from all his labor,… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often focus on the meaning and purpose of life. 2. Israel The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth) The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the futility and meaning of life. Teaching Points The Futility of MaterialismThe verse highlights the emptiness of pursuing wealth for its own sake. Material possessions cannot provide lasting fulfillment or security. The Transience of Life Life is temporary, and our earthly achievements and possessions are fleeting. This should encourage us to focus on eternal values. Contentment in God True contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from accumulating wealth or possessions. We should seek satisfaction in Him. Purposeful Living Our efforts should be directed towards meaningful pursuits that align with God's will, rather than chasing after "the wind." Eternal Perspective Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize our lives according to God's kingdom rather than worldly success. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ecclesiastes 5:16 challenge our modern views on wealth and success?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "toiling for the wind" to our daily lives and decisions? 3. How do the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 complement the message of Ecclesiastes 5:16? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our pursuits are aligned with eternal values rather than temporary gains? 5. How can reflecting on the transient nature of life, as described in Ecclesiastes 5:16, influence our relationship with God and others? Connections to Other Scriptures Job 1:21This verse echoes the sentiment of Ecclesiastes 5:16, emphasizing the transient nature of life and material possessions. 1 Timothy 6:7 Paul reiterates the idea that we bring nothing into the world and can take nothing out, aligning with the theme of Ecclesiastes 5:16. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which connects to the futility of earthly toil mentioned in Ecclesiastes.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Advantage, Born, Departs, Die, Evil, Evil-exactly, Gain, Grievous, Labored, Laboreth, Labors, Laboured, Laboureth, Painful, Points, Profit, Sore, Thus, Toiled, Toils, Wind, WorkingDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:16-17Library 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 5:16 NIVEcclesiastes 5:16 NLT Ecclesiastes 5:16 ESV Ecclesiastes 5:16 NASB Ecclesiastes 5:16 KJV Ecclesiastes 5:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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