The Preacher first relates some observations on wealth in 2:1-11. In 5:10-20 he goes into detail about legitimate uses of possessions in contrast to being possessed by riches and the folly of seeking satisfaction in wealth. He first addresses wealth built from greed (5:10-17), which proves to be futile (5:10). One reason is that perks and prestige that come with large incomes also stir the fear of losing such wealth. Material wealth makes many so-called “friends”: “The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what is the advantage of wealth-- except perhaps to watch it run through your fingers!” (5:11, NLT).
A diet appropriate to physical labor produces restful and refreshing sleep. Going to bed on a full stomach produces indigestion. His idea is that contentment in life comes largely through meaningful activity rather than accumulation (5:12). The value of owning wealth is temporal at best (5:13). The Preacher speaks from experience: Calamity, anxiety, and physical harm come from an unwholesome accumulation of wealth. This happens because wealth is easily lost (5:14). Sound investments are not risk free, but risky investments almost ensure financial failure and threaten family well-being.
How wealth disappears at the end of life is instructive for gaining it now (5:15-16). Wealth ends with this world - “As individuals arrive, so they depart” (5:15, Crenshaw). Wealth carries no eternal advantage because riches slip through the hand like wind (5:16). Also, an obsession for wealth can rob a person of a commendable quality of life. The Preacher pictures a miser guarding his meal in darkness, while frustration, strain, and thwarted financial plans dominant his mealtime thoughts (5:17).
The Preacher’s better recommendation is to see all wealth as a gift from God (5:18-20). Use wealth to enjoy life here and let God take care of the next life (5:18). Simple pleasures abound in this life and their enjoyment finds contentment through a willingness to work at something constructive.
God gives good gifts that we should enjoy (5:19). True wealth lies not in the things gained but in the constructive effort that gained them. Simple enjoyment of God’s gifts adds abundance to life (5:20). God intends life to be enjoyed, not counted. In First Timothy 6:6-10, Paul echoes the Preacher’s view of life and obsessive wealth. Greed eats away at the joy of life, where enjoyment of what God provides adds abundance to life.
Dr. David Moore is a university online Bible and theology instructor. Email: dm5867se@outlook.com
