“There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches kept for their owner to his hurt. But those riches perish through misfortune…and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sever evil- just exactly as he came, so shall he go.”
It sounds like Solomon is singing the same song with modified lyrics and a different tune. Once more he is distraught over those who work much and receive much but in the end find it worthless. They were born with nothing and they will die with nothing.
Verse 15 reminds me of Job’s contented lament: “As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came.” But in contrast to Job,
Day 21: Ecclesiastes 5:8-12
Oh the joys and sorrows of working and reaping wages. In verse 8 we are reminded of the injustice rampant in many a workplace. Oppression and cruelty abound in many places where workers aren’t treated well by those for whom they work.
In verse 10 we are reminded one again that some people are never satisfied with their monetary gain. They just want more and more but never find happiness in what they gain. Therefore, they don’t truly want what they get since they never get what they are seeking.
Verse 12 caps off the selection of Scripture by showing that someone who is content with the little he has is better off than the one who wants more and more and keeps getting more and more but can never rest.
The best option for me is to work hard, be content and satisfied with the fruit of my labor, and enjoy peace and comfort with God’s provision.
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,
For in what he is given he is always content.
Whether he has a lot or a little to eat,
On just being satisfied he is fully intent.
