This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? This too is a grievous evilThe phrase "grievous evil" in Hebrew is "רָעָה חוֹלָה" (ra'ah cholah), which conveys a deep sense of moral and existential wrongness. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this phrase underscores the preacher's lament over the futility and injustice observed in the world. The use of "grievous" highlights the intensity of the preacher's discontent with the human condition, emphasizing the profound disappointment in the transient nature of earthly pursuits. Exactly as he came, so will he go
This phrase reflects the Hebrew concept of life's cyclical nature, echoing the sentiment found in Job 1:21, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart." It underscores the futility of material accumulation, as one leaves the world with nothing, just as one entered it. This highlights the transient nature of earthly possessions and achievements, reminding believers of the importance of focusing on eternal values rather than temporal gains. What does he gain
The word "gain" in Hebrew is "יֹתֶר" (yoter), which can also mean "advantage" or "profit." This rhetorical question challenges the reader to consider the true value of their labor and efforts. In the conservative Christian perspective, this invites reflection on the eternal significance of one's actions and the pursuit of spiritual rather than material wealth. From toiling for the wind
The imagery of "toiling for the wind" is a powerful metaphor for the futility of human efforts when they are not aligned with God's purposes. The Hebrew word for "wind" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can also mean "spirit" or "breath." This dual meaning suggests that labor without spiritual significance is as fleeting and insubstantial as the wind. It serves as a caution against investing one's life in pursuits that ultimately have no lasting value, urging believers to seek fulfillment in God's eternal promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often focus on the meaning and purpose of life. 2. IsraelThe nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the futility and meaning of life. Teaching Points The Futility of MaterialismThe verse highlights the emptiness of pursuing wealth for its own sake. Material possessions cannot provide lasting fulfillment or security. The Transience of LifeLife is temporary, and our earthly achievements and possessions are fleeting. This should encourage us to focus on eternal values. Contentment in GodTrue contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from accumulating wealth or possessions. We should seek satisfaction in Him. Purposeful LivingOur efforts should be directed towards meaningful pursuits that align with God's will, rather than chasing after "the wind." Eternal PerspectiveKeeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize our lives according to God's kingdom rather than worldly success. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ecclesiastes 5:16 challenge our modern views on wealth and success? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "toiling for the wind" to our daily lives and decisions? 3. How do the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 complement the message of Ecclesiastes 5:16? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our pursuits are aligned with eternal values rather than temporary gains? 5. How can reflecting on the transient nature of life, as described in Ecclesiastes 5:16, influence our relationship with God and others? Connections to Other Scriptures Job 1:21This verse echoes the sentiment of Ecclesiastes 5:16, emphasizing the transient nature of life and material possessions. 1 Timothy 6:7Paul reiterates the idea that we bring nothing into the world and can take nothing out, aligning with the theme of Ecclesiastes 5:16. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which connects to the futility of earthly toil mentioned in Ecclesiastes. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Advantage, Born, Departs, Die, Evil, Evil-exactly, Gain, Grievous, Labored, Laboreth, Labors, Laboured, Laboureth, Painful, Points, Profit, Sore, Thus, Toiled, Toils, Wind, WorkingDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:16-17 5634 work, and the fall Library Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 5:16 NIVEcclesiastes 5:16 NLTEcclesiastes 5:16 ESVEcclesiastes 5:16 NASBEcclesiastes 5:16 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:16 Commentaries
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