Overview:
Ecclesiastes 5:8–20
There’s an old Japanese proverb that says, “Getting money is like digging with a needle; spending it is like water soaking into sand.” We all nod in agreement. Who hasn’t known the struggle of financial frustrations? And even those who have plenty become disillusioned because money does not satisfy. As Seneca the Roman once stated, “Money has never yet made anyone rich.” But on we go, pushing and striving, planning and struggling to earn more so we can have more, then invest more and enjoy more. Fat chance! The more time we spend earning more money to buy more stuff, the less time we have to enjoy our stuff. Solomon addressed this dilemma in the verses we will examine in this message. He not only exposed the issues, he came to some conclusions worth hearing and heeding. But beware! This is not your typical “think and grow rich” advice. God is speaking about money here. We’d be wise to listen.
Message Summary:
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the universal struggle of financial frustration and the illusion that wealth brings satisfaction. Solomon, writing from his own vast experience, pulls back the curtain on the “money-mad” lifestyle, showing how the pursuit of more often leads to less joy. Chuck contrasts the world’s “think and grow rich” philosophy with God’s perspective on stewardship and contentment. This sermon provides a sobering but liberating look at how to handle wealth without letting it handle you, concluding that the true ability to enjoy life is a sovereign gift from God, not a byproduct of a bank balance.
Message Key Facts:
-
The Bureaucracy of Injustice: Solomon warns us not to be surprised by corruption or the oppression of the poor in legal systems. Chuck reminds us that human institutions are flawed, and looking to them for ultimate satisfaction will always lead to disillusionment (Ecclesiastes 5:8).
-
The Insatiability of Wealth: A foundational biblical principle is highlighted: the person who loves money will never have enough. Wealth is like salt water—the more you drink, the thirstier you become (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
-
Rest for the Laborer: Chuck contrasts the “sweet sleep” of the working man with the restless anxiety of the wealthy. The more one possesses, the more one has to worry about maintaining and protecting (Ecclesiastes 5:12).
-
The Futility of Hoarding: Solomon describes the “grievous evil” of wealth hoarded to the owner’s hurt. Because we leave the world as we entered it—with nothing—striving only for material gain is like “striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 5:13–15).
-
Contentment as a Divine Gift: The ability to accept one’s lot and find joy in labor is specifically identified as “the gift of God.” When God occupies a heart with gladness, the person no longer frets over the fleeting nature of their days (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20).
Message References:
-
Ecclesiastes 5:10: The warning that the love of silver and abundance never satisfies.
-
Ecclesiastes 5:12: The comparison between the sleep of a laborer and the sleeplessness of the rich.
-
Ecclesiastes 5:15: The reality that man cannot take anything from his labor when he dies.
-
Ecclesiastes 5:19: The definition of the “gift of God” as the power to enjoy wealth and labor.
-
Ecclesiastes 5:20: The result of God’s gift—a heart occupied with gladness.
