Ecclesiastes 5:10

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.

He that loveth {H157} silver {H3701} shall not be satisfied {H7646} with silver {H3701}; nor he that loveth {H157} abundance {H1995} with increase {H8393}: this is also vanity {H1892}.

The lover of money never has enough money; the lover of luxury never has enough income. This too is pointless.

He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

Context of Ecclesiastes 5:10

The Book of Ecclesiastes, penned by "the Preacher" (Hebrew: Koheleth), traditionally identified as King Solomon, delves into the profound questions of life's meaning and purpose "under the sun"—that is, from a purely human perspective, apart from divine revelation. This particular verse, Ecclesiastes 5:10, is part of a larger section (chapters 5-6) that critiques the futility and dangers associated with wealth, materialism, and the pursuit of earthly possessions. The Preacher observes the common human tendency to seek satisfaction in accumulating riches, only to find it elusive and ultimately empty.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Insatiability of Materialism: The core message is that the love of money and the pursuit of abundance lead to an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. No matter how much silver or wealth a person acquires, it never truly satisfies the craving for more. This highlights a fundamental flaw in seeking ultimate contentment from material gain.
  • The Emptiness of Earthly Pursuits: The phrase "this is also vanity" (Hebrew: hebel) is a recurring motif throughout Ecclesiastes. It signifies futility, meaninglessness, transience, or breath—something that appears substantial but quickly dissipates. The Preacher concludes that the relentless pursuit of wealth, when it becomes an end in itself, is ultimately empty and void of lasting satisfaction, echoing the sentiment found in Ecclesiastes 2:11 regarding the vanity of all labor under the sun.
  • Spiritual Discontentment: The verse suggests that true satisfaction cannot be found in material possessions. Instead, the focus on accumulating wealth often leads to a spiritual and emotional void, leaving the individual perpetually wanting.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew term in this verse is hebel, translated as "vanity." This word appears over 30 times in Ecclesiastes and is central to its philosophy. It literally means "breath" or "vapor," conveying the idea of something fleeting, insubstantial, or ultimately meaningless. When applied to the pursuit of silver and abundance, it underscores their transient nature and inability to provide lasting fulfillment. The "love of silver" is not merely having money, but an obsessive desire for it, which the Preacher identifies as a primary source of dissatisfaction.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:10 offers a timeless warning against the dangers of materialism and consumerism, which are prevalent in many societies today.

  • Challenge to Modern Values: This verse challenges the widespread belief that more money or possessions will lead to greater happiness and contentment. It serves as a reminder that financial gain, while necessary for practical living, cannot fill spiritual or emotional voids.
  • Focus on True Satisfaction: It encourages believers to seek satisfaction not in earthly treasures, but in God, meaningful relationships, and purpose beyond material accumulation. This aligns with the New Testament teaching to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
  • Avoiding the Love of Money: The Preacher's observation here powerfully foreshadows the New Testament warning that the love of money is a root of all evil, emphasizing its capacity to lead to various destructive behaviors and a perpetual state of discontent.

Ultimately, the verse calls for a reevaluation of priorities, urging us to recognize that true contentment and purpose come from sources far deeper than wealth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 6:10

    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

  • Matthew 6:24

    No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

  • Luke 12:15

    And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

  • Matthew 6:19

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

  • Ecclesiastes 4:8

    There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:4

    ¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • Psalms 62:10

    Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].
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