There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
There is a terrible problem I have observed in this world: wealth that people hoard for themselves, which ends up causing them harm.
The writer is pointing out that holding onto riches too tightly can actually hurt the very people who own them.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is attributed to King Solomon and was written in ancient Israel during a period of prosperity in the 10th century BC, when the nation enjoyed economic growth but also grappled with the fleeting nature of worldly success. In this verse, the author reflects on the dangers of hoarding wealth, observing how it can lead to personal harm such as anxiety, loss, or moral downfall, within a cultural context where material riches were often seen as signs of blessing but could bring unintended consequences. This book as a whole serves as a wise teacher's meditation on the vanity of life under the sun, emphasizing the need to view all things through the lens of God's eternal purposes.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.