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 wealth grows, so does the number of people who consume it. What benefit does the owner really get from it, except to look at it?
The writer is pointing out that having more possessions often means more people depending on you to share them, so the actual benefit to the owner may be just the satisfaction of seeing what they have.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon (or someone reflecting on Solomon's wisdom) during Israel's golden age of prosperity. Solomon had witnessed firsthand how great wealth attracts servants, officials, and dependents who consume the resources. In ancient times, wealthy households supported large extended families, servants, and guests, meaning personal wealth often became shared wealth.
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