or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on. or wealth lostThe phrase "or wealth lost" speaks to the transient nature of material possessions. In the Hebrew text, the word for "wealth" is "hōn," which can also mean substance or riches. This highlights the idea that wealth is not a permanent fixture in life. Historically, wealth in ancient times was often tied to land, livestock, or precious metals, all of which could be easily lost due to poor management, theft, or natural disasters. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes the biblical teaching that earthly wealth is fleeting and should not be the primary focus of one's life, as true riches are found in spiritual treasures. in a bad venture
The term "in a bad venture" refers to risky or unwise investments. The Hebrew word "ʿinyan" can be translated as "occupation" or "business," suggesting that the loss comes from a failed enterprise. This reflects the unpredictability of human endeavors and the potential for failure despite one's best efforts. In the biblical context, this serves as a caution against placing too much trust in human wisdom and endeavors, reminding believers to seek God's guidance in all their plans. The conservative Christian view would stress the importance of stewardship and seeking divine wisdom in financial matters. so that when he has a son
The phrase "so that when he has a son" introduces the idea of legacy and inheritance. In ancient Israelite culture, passing on an inheritance to one's children was a significant aspect of family life and continuity. The Hebrew word "ben" for "son" underscores the importance of family lineage and the expectation of providing for future generations. This reflects the biblical principle of leaving a godly legacy, not just in material terms but also in spiritual heritage. Conservative Christians are encouraged to focus on imparting faith and values to their children, alongside any material inheritance. there is nothing to pass on
Finally, "there is nothing to pass on" conveys the ultimate futility of relying solely on material wealth. The Hebrew phrase "ʾên bĕyādô" literally means "there is nothing in his hand," emphasizing the emptiness and lack of substance when wealth is lost. This serves as a sobering reminder of the impermanence of earthly possessions and the importance of investing in eternal treasures. From a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the teaching that true wealth is found in a relationship with God and the spiritual legacy one leaves behind, rather than in material accumulation. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. IsraelThe nation where Solomon reigned, representing a people chosen by God, often experiencing cycles of faithfulness and disobedience. 3. WealthIn this context, wealth refers to material possessions and financial resources, which are often seen as blessings but can also be fleeting and uncertain. 4. Bad VentureThis refers to risky or unwise financial endeavors that can lead to the loss of wealth, highlighting the unpredictability of human efforts. 5. SonRepresents the next generation, emphasizing the importance of legacy and inheritance in biblical times. Teaching Points The Uncertainty of WealthWealth is not a reliable foundation for security or happiness. It can be lost through unforeseen circumstances, reminding us to place our trust in God rather than material possessions. The Importance of Wise StewardshipWe are called to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. This includes making prudent financial decisions and avoiding risky ventures that could jeopardize our ability to provide for our families and support God's work. Legacy Beyond Material InheritanceWhile providing for the next generation is important, the most valuable legacy we can leave is a spiritual one. Teaching our children to know and follow God is far more enduring than any material inheritance. Contentment and Trust in GodTrue contentment comes from trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, not from accumulating wealth. We should seek to cultivate a heart of gratitude and reliance on God, regardless of our financial situation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of wealth in Ecclesiastes 5:14 challenge our modern understanding of financial security? 2. In what ways can we practice wise stewardship of our resources to avoid the pitfalls of a "bad venture"? 3. How can we ensure that we are leaving a spiritual legacy for the next generation, beyond material wealth? 4. What steps can we take to cultivate contentment and trust in God, especially in times of financial uncertainty? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 influence our perspective on wealth and possessions in light of Ecclesiastes 5:14? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 23:4-5This passage warns against the pursuit of wealth, noting its fleeting nature, similar to the theme in Ecclesiastes 5:14. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning with the idea that earthly wealth is temporary and can be lost. 1 Timothy 6:17-19Paul advises the wealthy to be generous and to place their hope in God rather than in uncertain riches, echoing the caution against relying on material wealth. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Adventure, Bad, Begetteth, Begotten, Business, Chance, Circumstance, Destruction, Evil, Fathered, Investment, Labor, Lost, Misfortune, Nothing, Perish, Riches, Support, Travail, Venture, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:8-15 5916 pessimism Ecclesiastes 5:10-14 8812 riches, ungodly use Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 5907 miserliness Ecclesiastes 5:13-15 8701 affluence 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 5:14 NIVEcclesiastes 5:14 NLTEcclesiastes 5:14 ESVEcclesiastes 5:14 NASBEcclesiastes 5:14 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:14 Commentaries
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