Ecc. 5: Riches are Meaningless

Ecclesiastes 5:18 "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot."

Going into God's presence, his house is no half-hearted endeavor. Its best to let one's words be few, rather than babble incessantly. Who are you trying to impress? Does God need a long, flowery prayer? Uh uh. Think about what you will say. Speak what's on your heart. Speak in sincerity. This is a sweet sound in God's ear.

Even worse than mindless jabbering is an unfulfilled vow to God. Its better not to even make these vows.

When someone suggests that riches are meaningless, it makes me stop to think. Never one who has considered himself monetarily rich, I think, how could that be meaningless? Solomon makes it pretty clear. No matter how much money and power you have, there is always someone above you with more, and he has his eye on you, just as you have your eye on a lesser person, always making sure they don't garner as much wealth as you.

This fear takes away meaning.

No matter what you have, if your pursuit is still riches, you never have enough.

This dissatisfaction takes away meaning.

The more you have, the more people you have around you consuming them and needing them.

This co-opting takes away meaning.

When you have much, you have much to worry about.

This concern takes away meaning.

Naked you came, naked you depart. You take nothing with you at death.

This temporal understanding takes away meaning.

Under the sun, its toil in darkness and frustration. God, who is above the sun gives joy and meaning in life, in the labor of your life. God gives the ability to truly enjoy possessions and the labor of your life. I love the last verse. I want God to keep me occupied by the gladness of my heart. Think about that.