KJV ORIGINAL
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But those riches are lost through bad business deals or disasters, and when he has a son, there is nothing left in his hands to give him.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is showing how wealth can disappear suddenly, leaving a person with nothing to pass on to their children.
📚 Historical Context
King Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, was writing about the vanity and temporary nature of earthly pursuits. In ancient times, passing on wealth and inheritance to one's sons was considered crucial for family honor and security. Business ventures and investments were risky in the ancient world, with no modern financial protections.
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