Ecclesiastes 5:17

Ecclesiastes 5:17 (KJV) offers a poignant observation on the tragic consequences of a life consumed by the accumulation of wealth without the ability or willingness to enjoy it. It paints a stark picture of a person whose riches bring only misery, not contentment.

Context

This verse is part of a broader discourse in Ecclesiastes 5 where the Preacher, or Qoheleth, critiques the futility of material pursuits and the vanity of wealth when it is hoarded or lost. Immediately preceding this verse, Ecclesiastes 5:13-16 describes how wealth can be kept to the owner's hurt, lost through misfortune, or simply vanishes, leaving the individual with nothing upon death, just as they entered the world. Verse 17 then vividly illustrates the miserable state of such a person during their lifetime, even if the wealth remains.

Key Themes

• The Futility of Hoarded Wealth: The verse highlights that accumulating riches without enjoying them leads to a life devoid of true satisfaction. The wealth becomes a burden rather than a blessing.
• Sorrow and Anxiety from Possessions: Despite, or perhaps because of, their possessions, the individual experiences profound sorrow and vexation. The constant worry of guarding wealth, the fear of loss, and the inability to find peace contribute to this distress.
• Lack of Enjoyment ("Eateth in Darkness"): The phrase "eateth in darkness" is a powerful metaphor for a joyless, anxious existence. It doesn't necessarily mean literal darkness, but rather a life lived without the light of happiness, contentment, or peace. Their basic sustenance is consumed in a state of gloom and worry, indicating a refusal or inability to truly savor God's provisions. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom found elsewhere in Ecclesiastes that encourages enjoying the simple blessings of life as a gift from God.
• Physical and Emotional Sickness: The phrase "and [he hath] much sorrow and wrath with his sickness" connects the internal turmoil directly to physical ailments. The stress, anxiety, and frustration associated with a greedy or miserly life can manifest as sickness, illustrating a holistic breakdown of well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wrath" here is ka'as (כַּעַס), which can mean vexation, grief, indignation, or anger. In this context, it strongly implies an inner turmoil, frustration, and bitterness that accompanies the sorrow and physical sickness. It's not necessarily divine wrath, but rather the internal anger and vexation that results from a life consumed by material pursuits and the inability to find satisfaction.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:17 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate value on material possessions. It reminds us that true richness is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the joy, peace, and contentment we experience. This verse encourages a balanced perspective, urging us to:

• Enjoy God's Gifts: Recognize that true enjoyment of life's blessings comes from God's hand, not from the mere possession of wealth. Cultivate gratitude for simple provisions.
• Guard Against Greed and Anxiety: Be mindful of the emotional and physical toll that excessive worry about money or the relentless pursuit of more can take.
• Prioritize Well-being: Understand that a life lived in constant sorrow and vexation, even with riches, is a poor exchange for inner peace and health. Focus on spiritual, relational, and physical well-being over endless accumulation.

Ultimately, this verse underscores the Preacher's central message: life "under the sun" is vanity if lived apart from a right relationship with God, who alone grants the ability to truly enjoy the fruit of one's labor (Ecclesiastes 5:19).