The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
A working person sleeps peacefully, whether they have little food or plenty to eat. But rich people with all their wealth can't get a good night's sleep.
The writer is saying that hard-working people sleep better than wealthy people, because wealth brings worries that keep you awake at night.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who reflects on the vanity of human pursuits and the importance of fearing God in a world full of fleeting pleasures. In this verse, the author contrasts the simple, restful life of a hardworking laborer with the anxiety-ridden existence of the wealthy, drawing from ancient Near Eastern observations where material abundance often led to worry rather than satisfaction. This highlights the biblical theme that true peace comes from God, not from earthly riches.
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