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Ecclesiastes 5:14

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But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand.

But those riches {H6239} perish {H6} by evil {H7451} travail {H6045}: and he begetteth {H3205} a son {H1121}, and there is nothing {H3972} in his hand {H3027}.

Due to some misfortune, the wealth turns to loss; and then if he has fathered a son, he has nothing to leave him.

or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 5:14 powerfully illustrates the fragility and often tragic impermanence of earthly wealth, a central theme throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. It highlights how riches, accumulated through much effort, can suddenly vanish, leaving nothing for future generations.

Context

This verse continues the Preacher's (or Qoheleth's) observations on the futility and frustration associated with the pursuit and hoarding of material possessions. It immediately follows Ecclesiastes 5:13, which describes "riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt." Verse 14 then provides a specific example of such "hurt" – the complete loss of wealth through unforeseen circumstances, rendering a man unable to provide for his own offspring.

Key Themes

  • The Impermanence of Wealth: The phrase "those riches perish by evil travail" underscores that wealth, no matter how vast or securely held, is subject to sudden and unforeseen destruction. "Evil travail" (Hebrew: ra' 'inyan) can signify a calamitous business venture, misfortune, bad investment, or any form of severe calamity that leads to financial ruin. It emphasizes that earthly security is ultimately an illusion.
  • The Unpredictability of Life: This verse serves as a stark reminder that human effort and accumulation do not guarantee lasting prosperity or a secure legacy. Life's uncertainties, including economic downturns, natural disasters, or personal misfortunes, can swiftly undo years of labor and saving.
  • The Futility of Earthly Legacies: The tragic outcome, "he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand," highlights the vanity of building a legacy solely on material wealth. The father, despite his efforts, leaves his son empty-handed, demonstrating that riches cannot secure a lasting inheritance or guarantee the future of one's descendants. This contrasts sharply with the concept of leaving a good inheritance, often implying more than just money.

Linguistic Insights

The term "perish" (Hebrew: abad) implies a complete destruction or disappearance, not just a decline. This emphasizes the absolute nature of the loss described. "Evil travail" suggests a grievous affliction or misfortune that leads to this complete ruin, stressing the uncontrollable nature of such events.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:14 calls believers to a sober understanding of material possessions. It encourages a shift in focus from accumulating earthly wealth, which is inherently insecure, to investing in things of eternal value. This perspective aligns with the New Testament teaching to store up treasures in heaven, where they are safe from corruption and loss. It reminds us that our true security and ultimate legacy are not found in what we possess, but in our relationship with God and the spiritual investments we make. It also encourages responsible stewardship of resources, recognizing that they are temporary gifts and not our ultimate hope. The wisdom literature often warns against the fleeting nature of wealth, as seen in Proverbs 23:5.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 23:5 (3 votes)

    Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 (3 votes)

    For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • Haggai 2:16 (3 votes)

    Since those [days] were, when [one] came to an heap of twenty [measures], there were [but] ten: when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty [vessels] out of the press, there were [but] twenty.

  • Haggai 2:17 (3 votes)

    I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye [turned] not to me, saith the LORD.

  • Haggai 1:9 (3 votes)

    Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

  • Matthew 6:19 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 6:20 (3 votes)

    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: