Ecclesiastes 6:1 Commentary and Bible Study

Life can take yet another twist, which prevents a person finding true satisfaction from earthly possessions. This evil, says Solomon, is not as rare as you might think, so that no one should assume that it is not going to happen to them. He had studied the outcome of many lives around him; not only had he pursued happiness himself, but he had closely observed others doing the same thing. There is a failure to enjoy wealth which is all the worse because in this case the individual seems to come so close to his goal. There are several steps involved in gaining earthly fulfilment, and he appears to have succeeded in all, and yet fails at the last. God does not stand in the way of his prosperity and his business succeeds: his bank accounts accumulate funds, his properties are purchased, his lands enlarged, and his house filled with goods. The poor only dream of getting this far, but the man in view says to himself, ‘How can I fail to attain my goal?’. And yet he does fail – he never finally enjoys what seems within his grasp. Just as it is of the Lord that his labours produce an increase, so it is of the Lord that he is able to enjoy what he already possesses. Nothing must be taken for granted and yet he does exactly that. This last step seems too trivial to be worth considering: of course, if he has money in the bank, he will be able to spend that money. But no, it does not turn out that way. Perhaps he is childless or perhaps providence snatches his goods from his hold, but God wills to give his gains to another. His riches mock him as they slip from his hand. Honour too may be taken away from him. He had been elevated in society and his reputation seemed assured. He relished the praise of men, and anticipated the admiring all. He rehearsed his own deeds, but God marked his pride and took his reputation from him, turning it into disdain or jealousy, or an unmasking of his shallowness.