Ecclesiastes 5
Read Ecclesiastes 5
Helpful Background Information:
The book of Ecclesiastes is well known for its search for meaning “under the sun” (5:13). The main character, known as Qohelet, is introduced as the “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1), causing many to connect the content of the book with the life of Solomon. In Hebrew, Qohelet (קֹהֶ֫לֶת) means “one who gathers people together.” Here, the gathering is to listen and learn, which is why the word is often translated as “teacher” or “preacher.”
In many ways, Ecclesiastes reveals the lack of control over our lives. Qohelet examines work (2:18-23; 4:4-6), pleasure (2:1-11), relationships (4:7-12), wealth (5:10-6:9), and wisdom (2:12-17)—only to conclude that meaning isn’t found in any of them.
By speaking “under the sun,” he is pondering humanity’s lived experience. After analyzing his own experience, the teacher says that both the constraints of time and the reality of death have their ways of draining the meaning out of life. No matter how much a person seeks significance through wealth, the march of time and the impending threat of death reduce it all to a fleeting vapor. Even though Solomon had an allowance of roughly twenty-five tons of gold every year (2 Chronicles 9:13-29), the message of Ecclesiastes strongly asserts that “he who loves money will not be satisfied with money” (5:10).
Reflection Questions:
The teacher, examining life under the sun (from an earthly perspective), is filled with frustration when he finds that the accumulation of wealth fails to bring real meaning to life.
Why do you think people are tempted to believe that “just a little bit more” money will bring them the satisfaction they're looking for?
Have you ever found yourself trusting in money for a sense of meaning or significance?
At the end of chapter 5, the teacher encourages his audience to recognize wealth as a gift from God that is to be enjoyed (5:18-20).
Does this approach differ from the perspective that was described beforehand (5:10-17)? If so, how?
In your time following Jesus, have there been any specific ways that your approach to wealth and finances has changed? Explain.
Finish by asking God to help you see money the way He does.