March 9, 2026, Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
March 9, 2026, Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the
violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the
matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet
higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a
land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he
who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When
goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner
but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the
sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the
rich will not let him sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun:
riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and
those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has
nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his
mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for
his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This
also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is
there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover,
all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to
eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils
under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is
his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has
given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept
his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For
he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied
with joy in his heart.
These verses emphasize once again the vainness of relying
on self, wealth and power as a means for lasting joy, happiness and
satisfaction. We are reminded that our attempts to find lasting
contentment comes only from God, his goodness and promises.
Why is it so easy to seek earthly contentment and choose
self-reliance over God's promises?
Robin Adams
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