Ecclesiastes 5:16

Ecclesiastes 5:16 delivers a stark and sobering reflection on the futility of human toil and the transient nature of material wealth when viewed from an earthly perspective. The Preacher, or Koheleth, repeatedly explores the concept of hebel, often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless," throughout the book, and this verse powerfully encapsulates that theme regarding our possessions and efforts.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20) where the Preacher critiques the pursuit and accumulation of wealth. He notes how increasing riches often bring increasing troubles and anxieties (see Ecclesiastes 5:10-12). The "sore evil" mentioned in verse 16 refers to the tragedy of a person accumulating wealth, only to lose it through misfortune (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14) or, more universally, to leave it all behind at death. The preceding verses highlight the paradox that despite one's labor, death equalizes all; no one can take their accumulated wealth with them.

Key Themes

• The Inevitability of Death: The phrase "as he came, so shall he go" is a powerful reminder that we enter the world without possessions and depart in the same manner. This emphasizes the ultimate inability of wealth to provide lasting security or escape from death. It echoes the sentiment found in Job 1:21, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither."
• The Futility of Earthly Labor for Material Gain: "what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?" This vivid imagery portrays effort expended on something insubstantial and fleeting, like grasping at wind. It highlights the lack of enduring reward or satisfaction from a life solely dedicated to accumulating material possessions. The labor is hard, but the outcome is ultimately empty.
• The "Sore Evil" of Misplaced Hope: The "sore evil" or grievous misfortune is not merely the loss of wealth, but the profound sorrow and vexation that arises when one's entire life's ambition and security are tied to something so impermanent. It speaks to the existential dissatisfaction that comes from investing in what cannot last.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sore evil" translates the Hebrew ra'ah chola (רָעָה חוֹלָה), which literally means "sick evil" or "grievous affliction." It conveys a deep sense of distress and calamity associated with this reality. The expression "laboured for the wind" comes from the Hebrew amal laruach (עָמָל לָרוּחַ). Amal signifies burdensome toil or grievous labor, while ruach means wind, breath, or spirit. Here, it powerfully depicts effort spent on something empty, fleeting, or unsubstantial, reinforcing the book's overarching theme of hebel (הֶבֶל), "vanity" or "meaninglessness," as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:2.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:16 challenges modern perspectives on success and material accumulation. It prompts us to consider:

• Our Ultimate Priorities: Are we laboring for what truly matters, or are we investing our lives in pursuits that will ultimately yield no lasting profit? The verse serves as a powerful reminder to seek eternal values over temporal gains, a sentiment echoed by Jesus in Matthew 16:26: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
• Stewardship and Generosity: Recognizing that all earthly possessions are temporary (see 1 John 2:17), we are called to be wise stewards of what we have, using our resources for God's purposes and for the benefit of others, rather than hoarding them.
• Contentment and Perspective: The verse encourages a healthy detachment from materialism, fostering contentment and a focus on intangible blessings like relationships, spiritual growth, and a right relationship with God. It reminds us that true security and joy are not found in what we accumulate, but in our faith and purpose.