Ecclesiastes 5:11
Ecclesiastes 5:11 in Multiple Translations
When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what advantage is there to the owner thereof, save the beholding of them with his eyes?
When goods are increased, the number of those who take of them is increased; and what profit has the owner but to see them?
The more you earn, the more you have eating into your income. It only looks like you have more!
The sleepe of him that traueileth, is sweete, whether he eate litle or much: but the sacietie of the riche will not suffer him to sleepe.
In the multiplying of good have its consumers been multiplied, and what benefit [is] to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?
When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners of them, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
Sleep is sweet to a labouring man, whether he eat little or much: but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The more money that we have, the more people want us to spend our money to buy things for them. So people who have a lot of money do not [RHQ] benefit from it; they see [MTY] it when they get it, but it soon ◄disappears/is completely spent►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 5:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְתוּקָה֙
שְׁנַ֣ת
הָ/עֹבֵ֔ד
אִם
מְעַ֥ט
וְ/אִם
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
יֹאכֵ֑ל
וְ/הַ/שָּׂבָע֙
לֶֽ/עָשִׁ֔יר
אֵינֶ֛/נּוּ
מַנִּ֥יחַֽ
ל֖/וֹ
לִ/ישֽׁוֹן
מְתוּקָה֙
mâthôwq
H4966
sweet
Adj
שְׁנַ֣ת
shênâh
H8142
sleep
N-fs
הָ/עֹבֵ֔ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Art | V-Qal
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
מְעַ֥ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Ptc
יֹאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הַ/שָּׂבָע֙
sâbâʻ
H7647
abundance
Conj | Art | N-ms
לֶֽ/עָשִׁ֔יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Prep | Adj
אֵינֶ֛/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
מַנִּ֥יחַֽ
yânach
H3240
to rest
V-Hiphil
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לִ/ישֽׁוֹן
yâshên
H3462
to sleep
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:11
מְתוּקָה֙
mâthôwq
H4966
"sweet"
Adj
The Hebrew word for sweet, describing something pleasant and agreeable, used in various Bible passages to describe sweet things and experiences. It appears in the Bible to describe sweet tastes and smells. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweetness of God's words.
Definition: adj 1) sweet n m 2) sweetness, pleasant (thing)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: sweet(-er, -ness). See also: Judges 14:14; Proverbs 27:7; Psalms 19:11.
שְׁנַ֣ת
shênâh
H8142
"sleep"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sleep or be asleep, like when God put Adam to sleep in Genesis 2:21. It is also used to describe a state of unconsciousness. This word is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: sleep Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "sleep" H8139)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sleep. See also: Genesis 28:16; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 76:6.
הָ/עֹבֵ֔ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Art | V-Qal
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
מְעַ֥ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
יֹאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/הַ/שָּׂבָע֙
sâbâʻ
H7647
"abundance"
Conj | Art | N-ms
Abundance refers to having plenty of something, like food or resources, and is often associated with being satisfied or full.
Definition: 1) plenty, satiety 1a) plenty (of breadstuffs) 1b) satiety
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: abundance, plenteous(-ness, -ly). See also: Genesis 41:29; Genesis 41:47; Proverbs 3:10.
לֶֽ/עָשִׁ֔יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
אֵינֶ֛/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַנִּ֥יחַֽ
yânach
H3240
"to rest"
V-Hiphil
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לִ/ישֽׁוֹן
yâshên
H3462
"to sleep"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 5:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:11
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:11
Context — The Futility of Wealth
9The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
10He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.
11When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
12The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. 13There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 2:13 | Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? |
| 3 | Psalms 119:36–37 | Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word. |
| 4 | Proverbs 23:5 | When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 6:9 | Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 6 | Genesis 13:5–7 | Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist. And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 5:17–18 | There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 11:9 | Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. |
| 9 | Joshua 7:21–25 | When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. They took the things from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out before the LORD. Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 5:13–16 | Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor. Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers. |
Ecclesiastes 5:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we get more stuff, we often have more people or things taking from us, and in the end, we might not even get to enjoy it. It's like having a big house, but it's just a lot of work to take care of, as Jesus taught in Luke 12:15. The owner might be able to look at their wealth, but that's about it. This reminds us that true happiness doesn't come from having lots of things, but from being content with what we have, as the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-12 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'those who consume them' in Ecclesiastes 5:11?
This phrase refers to the people who benefit from or use up the increased wealth or resources, often leaving the owner with little to show for it, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:11, similar to the concept in Luke 12:15 where Jesus teaches about the dangers of materialism.
Is the owner of the increased wealth or resources truly benefiting from it?
According to Ecclesiastes 5:11, the owner's only benefit is to see or behold the increased wealth with their eyes, but not necessarily to enjoy it or find true satisfaction, a concept also seen in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 where Solomon describes his own experiences with wealth and pleasure.
How does this verse relate to the concept of contentment?
This verse highlights the idea that true contentment does not come from the accumulation of wealth or possessions, but rather from a sense of inner peace and satisfaction, as taught in Philippians 4:11-12 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10, where the apostle Paul discusses the importance of being content with what one has.
What is the main point the author is trying to make in Ecclesiastes 5:11?
The author is emphasizing the fleeting nature of wealth and the emptiness of materialism, encouraging readers to look beyond earthly possessions for true fulfillment, a theme also explored in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize accumulating wealth or possessions over pursuing a deeper relationship with God?
- How can I apply the principle of contentment to my own life, focusing on what truly brings me joy and fulfillment?
- In what ways do I find myself trying to find satisfaction in material things, and how can I redirect my focus to eternal pursuits?
- What does it mean for me to 'behold' my blessings with my eyes, and how can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what I have?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:11
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them,.... When a man's substance increases by trade, or otherwise, very often so it is that his family increases, and he has more mouths to feed, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:11
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? When goods increase ... - the rich man's dependents.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:11
They are increased that eat them; they require and are more commonly attended with a numerous company of servants, and friends, and retinues to consume them; which is a great torment to a covetous man, of whom he here speaks. What good is there to the owners thereof? what benefit hath he above others, who feed upon his provisions, and enjoy the same comforts which he doth, without his fears, and cares, and troubles about them? The beholding of them with their eyes; either, 1. With a reflection upon his propriety.in them. Or, 2. With unlimited freedom. He can go and look upon his bags or chests of silver as long and as oft as he pleaseth, whereas other men are seldom admitted to that prospect, and see only some few of the fruits or purchases of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:11
Ecclesiastes 5:11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good [is there] to the owners thereof, saving the beholding [of them] with their eyes?Ver. 11. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them.] Servants, friends, flatterers, trencher men, pensioners, and other hangerons that will flock to a rich man, as crows do to a dead carcase, not to defend, but to devour it. Caesar perished in the midst of his friends, whose boundless hopes and expectations he was not able to satisfy. The King of Spain, were it not for the West India fleet, were never able to subsist, though he be by far the greatest prince in Christendom, gives for his motto, Totus non sufficit orbis, and hath his empire so far extended that he may truly say, Sol mihi semper lucet, The sun ever shines upon my dominions. The Duke of Bavaria’ s house is so pestered with friars and Jesuits that, notwithstanding the greatness of his revenue, he is very poor, as spending all his estate on those Popish flesh flies, those inutiles et ribaldi (Lyra’ s words upon this text), useless, needless, ribaldry fellows. Saving the beholding of them with his eyes.] To such a large retinue, such a numerous family; as Job, who had a very great household, and Abraham, who had a trained hand in his family, but especially as Solomon, who had thousands of servants and work folk. Whereunto I may add Cardinal Wolsey’ s pompous family, consisting of one earl, nine barons, knights and esquires very many, chaplains and other servants, besides retainers, at bed and board, no fewer than four hundred. Or, to see so much wealth, and to tumble in it; as Caligula the emperor was wont to do, contrectandae pecuniae cupidine incensus, loving to handle his money, to walk upon it with his bare feet, and to roll among it with his whole body, as Suetonins relateth. The like is reported of Heliogabalus, who also, besides what he did eat, is said to have provided himself, in case he should be in danger to be surprised by his enemies, silken halters to hang himself with, ponds of sweet water to drown himself, gilded poisons to poison himself with, &c. Camden.
Heylin. Toto corpore aliquandiu volutatus. - Sueton.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:11
Verse 11. When goods increase] An increase of property always brings an increase of expense, by a multitude of servants; and the owner really possesses no more, and probably enjoys much less, than he did, when every day provided its own bread, and could lay up no store for the next. But if he have more enjoyment, his cares are multiplied; and he has no kind of profit. "This also is vanity."
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:11
11. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them] The fact is one which has met the gaze of the moralists of all countries. A large household, numerous retainers, these are but so many elements of trouble. In the dialogue of Crœsus and Solon (Herod. i. 32), yet more closely in that of Pheraulas and Sacian (quoted by Ginsburg) in Xenophon (Cyrop. viii. 3, pp. 35–44), we have distinct parallels. The latter presents so striking a resemblance as to be worth quoting, “Do you think, Sacian, that I live with the more pleasure the more I possess.… By having this abundance, I gain merely this, that I have to guard more, to distribute more to others, and to have the trouble of taking care of more; for a great many domestics now demand of me their food, their drink, and their clothes … Whosoever, therefore, is greatly pleased with the possession of riches will, be assured, feel much annoyed at the expenditure of them.” saving the beholding of them with their eyes] So Horace paints the miser: “Congestis undique saccisIndormis inhians, et tanquam parcere sacrisCogeris, aut pictis tanquam gaudere tabellis.”“Sleepless thou gazest on thy heaped-up bags,And yet art forced to hold thy hand from them,As though they were too sacred to be touched,Or were but painted pictures for thine eyes.”Sat. i. 1. 66.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:11
They ... that eat them - i. e., The laborers employed, and the household servants.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Great Sin (Reading) by C.S. Lewis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord |
|
(So Great a Salvation) Overcoming the World by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts an encounter with a young man at a retreat center. The young man expresses his desire to have victory in his life but admits that he often fail |
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(Genesis) Genesis 3:6-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan uses the same tactics to deceive people today as he did in the Garden of Eden. The preacher explains that Satan appeals to the lust |
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Satan's Steps in Temptation by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the steps of temptation that led David to disgrace and how Satan uses these same steps to lead individuals away from God's will. The preacher |
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2 Chronicles 24:1-15 by Kevin Turner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the creator and ourselves as His creation. He shares a personal experience from his trip to Kenya that s |
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The Combination of the Soul and the Flesh by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the intricate relationship between the soul and the flesh, emphasizing that the flesh represents our sinful nature while the soul embodies our life. He explai |
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Consumer Christianity by Dave Hunt | Dave Hunt addresses the issue of consumer Christianity, which focuses on building the kingdom of God or attracting individuals to Christianity through methods that appeal to the fl |