Ecclesiastes 5:12

The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

The sleep {H8142} of a labouring man {H5647} is sweet {H4966}, whether he eat {H398} little {H4592} or much {H7235}: but the abundance {H7647} of the rich {H6223} will not suffer {H3240} him to sleep {H3462}.

The sleep of a working man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the overfullness of the rich won't let them sleep at all.

The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

Ecclesiastes 5:12 offers a profound contrast between the simple, fulfilling rest of a laborer and the restless anxiety that can accompany great wealth. It speaks to a timeless truth about where genuine peace and contentment are found.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Ecclesiastes (chapters 5-6) where the Preacher, often identified with King Solomon, observes the futility and vanity of chasing after material possessions and worldly success "under the sun." He notes the various disappointments and sorrows that can arise from wealth, covetousness, and the pursuit of more. This particular verse highlights a specific paradox: the very thing many strive for – riches – can often rob them of basic human needs like peaceful sleep, while those with little can enjoy profound rest.

Key Themes

  • The Blessing of Labor: The verse praises the simple, honest reward of physical work. A "labouring man" earns his rest, and his sleep is "sweet," regardless of how much he has eaten. This suggests a deep satisfaction derived from productive effort and a clear conscience.
  • The Burden of Riches: In stark contrast, the "abundance of the rich" can become a source of affliction. Wealth often brings with it worries about preservation, management, security, or the constant desire for more, leading to sleepless nights. It illustrates that material prosperity does not guarantee inner peace or contentment.
  • True Satisfaction: The verse subtly points to the idea that true satisfaction and peace are not tied to material possessions but to a simpler, more balanced life. The ability to rest peacefully is presented as a greater treasure than accumulated wealth. This sentiment echoes the idea that godliness with contentment is great gain.

Linguistic Insights

The word "sweet" (Hebrew: mathoq) used to describe the laborer's sleep implies something delightful, pleasant, and satisfying. It emphasizes the quality of rest, not just its quantity. The "abundance" (Hebrew: sava') of the rich refers to being full or having plenty, yet this fullness ironically leads to emptiness of sleep.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God giving sleep to His beloved, often after their toil, is also found in Psalm 127:2. This verse from Ecclesiastes serves as a powerful reminder of warnings found throughout Scripture against placing ultimate value on the deceitfulness of riches, which can choke out spiritual life and peace.

Practical Application

In a world often driven by the pursuit of wealth and material gain, Ecclesiastes 5:12 serves as a vital reminder. It challenges us to consider what truly brings peace and rest. Are we chasing after more, only to find ourselves burdened with anxiety and sleeplessness? Or are we finding contentment in honest work, simple living, and trusting God with our needs? This verse encourages us to value peace of mind and body over the endless accumulation of possessions, reminding us that the greatest treasures are often intangible.

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.

  • Proverbs 3:24

    When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

  • Psalms 4:8

    I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

  • Psalms 127:2

    [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

  • Jeremiah 31:26

    Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

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