Ecclesiastes 5:17 - All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.
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What does "Ecclesiastes 5:17" mean?
Ecclesiastes 5:17 describes the miserable life of someone who focuses solely on accumulating wealth and possessions. Let's break down the verse:
"All his days he also eats in darkness..." This likely refers to a metaphorical darkness rather than literal. It suggests a lack of joy, contentment, or purpose in life. Even when he eats (a basic necessity and potentially enjoyable activity), it's done without light or happiness. He's consumed by his worries and anxieties about money, preventing him from enjoying even simple pleasures. Some commentators believe it also suggests eating in secrecy, perhaps being unwilling to share his wealth or even trust others.
"...he is frustrated..." This is a direct result of his pursuit of wealth. He's never truly satisfied, always wanting more. This constant desire and lack of fulfillment leads to ongoing frustration and dissatisfaction. He might also be frustrated because he sees the wealth he accumulates but never truly enjoys it due to his anxieties.
"...and has sickness and wrath." This can be interpreted in a few ways:
Literal sickness: The stress and anxiety caused by an obsession with wealth can lead to physical ailments.
Metaphorical sickness: His spirit is sick. He's spiritually unhealthy because his priorities are misplaced.
Wrath: The frustration and dissatisfaction mentioned earlier can easily lead to anger and resentment. He might be angry at himself for his obsession, angry at others who have more than him, or simply angry at the world for not giving him enough. His "wrath" could also be directed inward, manifesting as bitterness and resentment.
In essence, this verse paints a bleak picture of someone whose life is dominated by the pursuit of wealth. They sacrifice their happiness, peace, and well-being in the process, ultimately living a miserable and unfulfilled life. The verse serves as a cautionary tale against making money the sole focus of one's existence.
Ecclesiastes 5:17 - All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.
What does "Ecclesiastes 5:17" mean?
Ecclesiastes 5:17 describes the miserable life of someone who focuses solely on accumulating wealth and possessions. Let's break down the verse:
"All his days he also eats in darkness..." This likely refers to a metaphorical darkness rather than literal. It suggests a lack of joy, contentment, or purpose in life. Even when he eats (a basic necessity and potentially enjoyable activity), it's done without light or happiness. He's consumed by his worries and anxieties about money, preventing him from enjoying even simple pleasures. Some commentators believe it also suggests eating in secrecy, perhaps being unwilling to share his wealth or even trust others.
"...he is frustrated..." This is a direct result of his pursuit of wealth. He's never truly satisfied, always wanting more. This constant desire and lack of fulfillment leads to ongoing frustration and dissatisfaction. He might also be frustrated because he sees the wealth he accumulates but never truly enjoys it due to his anxieties.
"...and has sickness and wrath." This can be interpreted in a few ways:
Literal sickness: The stress and anxiety caused by an obsession with wealth can lead to physical ailments.
Metaphorical sickness: His spirit is sick. He's spiritually unhealthy because his priorities are misplaced.
Wrath: The frustration and dissatisfaction mentioned earlier can easily lead to anger and resentment. He might be angry at himself for his obsession, angry at others who have more than him, or simply angry at the world for not giving him enough. His "wrath" could also be directed inward, manifesting as bitterness and resentment.
In essence, this verse paints a bleak picture of someone whose life is dominated by the pursuit of wealth. They sacrifice their happiness, peace, and well-being in the process, ultimately living a miserable and unfulfilled life. The verse serves as a cautionary tale against making money the sole focus of one's existence.