Ecclesiastes 5:11 - Bible Verse Commentary

Verse: "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?"

Introduction

Ecclesiastes 5:11 presents a profound observation about wealth and the dynamics it brings into life. In this verse, the author—traditionally attributed to Solomon—shares insights that challenge common perceptions about riches. This commentary aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this scripture by synthesizing interpretations from recognized public domain commentaries.

Verse Meaning

This verse serves as a cautionary remark regarding the accumulating nature of wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. When material possessions increase, so do the individuals who benefit from them, suggesting that wealth tends to attract more consumers rather than providing true satisfaction to its owner.

Key Themes

• Wealth and Responsibility: The accumulation of wealth often leads to increased stress and obligation. As noted by Matthew Henry, wealth invites more individuals who seek to partake in it, resulting in a cycle of dependency and distraction.
• Illusion of Satisfaction: Albert Barnes explains that mere possession of wealth does not equate to happiness. The verse implies that many who are wealthy observe their riches but find little enjoyment from them.
• Temporal Nature of Material Goods: Adam Clarke emphasizes the transient nature of worldly goods, suggesting that the very things we toil to possess can ultimately become burdens rather than blessings.

Insights from Commentators

Matthew Henry

Henry’s commentary highlights the futility in the pursuit of riches for their own sake. He notes that rather than providing joy, wealth often leads to a multitude of consumers and causes anxiety over how to protect it.

Albert Barnes

Barnes indicates that the abundance of goods draws in more people who wish to benefit from them, leading to an unsettling truth: possessing wealth often brings more contentions and frustrations than peace and security.

Adam Clarke

Clarke extols the transient nature of riches, emphasizing that those who find themselves surrounded by material wealth are often more focused on watching it than enjoying it. His commentary reflects on the emptiness that can accompany wealth, encouraging a more spiritual and stable pursuit for fulfillment.

Application to Daily Life

The practical implications of Ecclesiastes 5:11 are significant. Believers are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with wealth. The pursuit of material goods should not eclipse the pursuit of spiritual growth and meaningful relationships.

Understanding Scripture in Context

Ecclesiastes is often viewed as a book that wrestles with the meaning of life. This specific verse underscores the complexity of wealth and the importance of understanding its role, reminding readers that earthly riches can never satisfy the deepest longings of the soul.

Bible Cross References

• Proverbs 23:5 - “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.”
• 1 Timothy 6:9-10 - “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
• Luke 12:15 - “And He said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'”

Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 5:11 serves as a critical reflection on wealth and its implications. Understanding this scripture through various commentaries enriches biblical scholarship and provides valuable insights for those studying the Bible. As we engage in Bible verse study, let us remember to focus on spiritual growth and the true source of fulfillment that transcends material riches.