When good things increase,This phrase reflects the accumulation of wealth and possessions, a common theme in Ecclesiastes. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor. However, the Preacher (traditionally understood as Solomon) frequently questions the ultimate value of material wealth. The increase of "good things" can also be seen as a test of character, as wealth can lead to pride or a false sense of security, as warned in
Proverbs 11:28.
so do those who consume them;
This part highlights the inevitable increase in dependents and responsibilities that accompany wealth. In ancient times, a wealthy individual would attract servants, workers, and even opportunists seeking to benefit from their prosperity. This reflects the cultural reality of patronage systems in the ancient world, where wealth was often shared within a community, but also exploited. The New Testament echoes this sentiment inJames 5:1-6, where the rich are warned about the consequences of hoarding wealth.
what then is the profit to the owner,
Here, the Preacher questions the true benefit of wealth. Despite the increase in material goods, the owner may not experience personal gain or satisfaction. This rhetorical question challenges the reader to consider the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. Jesus addresses a similar theme inMatthew 16:26, questioning the value of gaining the world at the cost of one's soul.
except to behold them with his eyes?
The conclusion of the verse suggests that the only tangible benefit of wealth is the ability to see it, emphasizing its temporary and superficial nature. This aligns with the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which often points to the vanity of earthly pursuits. The idea of merely "beholding" wealth can be seen as a type of Jesus Christ, who taught that true treasure is found in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). The Preacher's observation serves as a reminder of the limitations of material wealth and the importance of seeking eternal values.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive writings.
2.
Israel- The nation over which Solomon reigned, experiencing prosperity and peace during his rule.
3.
Consumers- Refers to those who partake in the increased goods, highlighting the societal dynamics of wealth distribution.
4.
Owner- The individual who possesses wealth or goods, facing the challenge of finding true satisfaction in material abundance.
Teaching Points
The Illusion of Satisfaction in WealthMaterial abundance often attracts more consumers, leading to increased demands and responsibilities. True satisfaction cannot be found in wealth alone.
The Burden of OwnershipOwning more can lead to more worries and less peace. The owner may find himself merely observing his wealth rather than enjoying it.
Contentment Over AccumulationThe pursuit of contentment should take precedence over the accumulation of goods. Contentment is found in spiritual richness rather than material wealth.
The Temporary Nature of Earthly PossessionsEarthly possessions are temporary and can be lost or consumed by others. Investing in eternal values provides lasting fulfillment.
Stewardship and GenerosityWealth should be viewed as a tool for stewardship and generosity, not merely for personal gain. Sharing with others can bring joy and purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:11?
2.How does Ecclesiastes 5:11 warn against the pursuit of wealth and possessions?
3.What does "the abundance of a rich man" reveal about human desires?
4.How can we find contentment in God rather than material wealth?
5.Compare Ecclesiastes 5:11 with 1 Timothy 6:10 on wealth's impact.
6.How can we apply Ecclesiastes 5:11 to our financial decisions today?
7.How does Ecclesiastes 5:11 challenge the pursuit of wealth and materialism?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Ecclesiastes 5:11?
9.How does Ecclesiastes 5:11 relate to modern consumer culture?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5?
11.What does 'Cast your bread upon the waters' mean?
12.What is the Bible's perspective on the stock market?
13.In Ecclesiastes 11:5, how does the statement about not understanding how life forms in the womb align with modern embryology?
14.Ecclesiastes 6:3 - How is it feasible for one man to have a hundred children in ancient times, given historical and demographic realities?What Does Ecclesiastes 5:11 Mean
When good things increase- Solomon observes that possessions and income often multiply beyond basic needs. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17), yet Ecclesiastes reminds us that material gain is not ultimate gain.
-Deuteronomy 8:17-18 warns, “You may say in your heart, ‘The power and the strength of my hands have made this wealth for me,’ but remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth.” God is the Giver; increase should stir gratitude, not pride.
-Proverbs 10:22 echoes, “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Increase itself is not evil, but it carries responsibilities that cannot be ignored.
-Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 illustrates the tragedy of abundance without enjoyment: “God gives a man wealth, possessions, and honor … yet God does not enable him to enjoy them.”
so do those who consume them- More wealth attracts more consumers—family members, employees, taxes, and even random dependents.
•Proverbs 19:4 notes, “Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.”
• InLuke 15:13-14 the prodigal son discovers that fair-weather companions vanish when the money is gone.
- The owner’s circle enlarges, but so does pressure, anxiety, and expectation. “The abundance of the rich permits him no sleep” (Ecclesiastes 5:12).
- Stewardship, generosity, and wise boundaries are essential, reflecting passages like1 Timothy 6:17-18, which urges the rich “to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share.”
what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?- Possessions may end up being little more than display pieces.Ecclesiastes 2:11 confesses, “All was vanity and a chasing after the wind; there was no profit under the sun.”
- Jesus reinforces the point: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
- Wealth cannot follow us beyond the grave: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).
- At best, the owner looks at his plenty; at worst,Luke 12:20-21 warns of the rich fool whose soul is demanded while his barns stay full. Eternal perspective rescues us from mere sightseeing.
summarySolomon’s proverb exposes the limits of material abundance: increase draws consumers, drains peace, and offers only the fleeting satisfaction of seeing wealth pile up. Scripture calls us to gratitude for God’s provision, responsible stewardship, generous sharing, and an eternal focus that values treasures in heaven over trophies on earth.
Verse 11. - Koheleth proceeds to notice some of the inconveniences which accompany wealth, which go far to prove that God is over all.
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them. The more riches a man possesses, the greater are the claims upon him. He increases his household, retainers, and dependents, and is really none the better off for all his wealth. So Job in his prosperous days is said to have had "a very great household" (
Job 1:3), and the servants and laborers employed by Solomon must have taxed to the utmost even his abnormal resources (
1 Kings 5:13, etc.). Commentators from Piueda downwards have quoted the remarkable parallel in Xenoph., 'Cyropaed.,' 8:3, wherein the wealthy Persian Pheraulas, who had risen from poverty to high estate, disabuses a young Sacian friend of the idea that his riches made him happier or afforded supreme content. "Do you not know," said he," that I neither eat, nor drink, nor sleep with any more pleasure now than I did when I was poor? by having this abundance I gain merely this, that I have to guard more, to distribute more among others, and to have the trouble of taking care of more. For now numerous domestics demand of me food, drink, clothes; some want the doctor; one comes and brings me sheep that have been torn by wolves, or oxen killed by failing down a precipice, or tells of a murrain that has affected the cattle; so that I seem to myself to have more afflictions in my abundance than I had when I was poor,... It is obligatory on him who possesses much to expend much both on the gods and on friends and on strangers; and whosoever is greatly pleased with the possession of riches will, you may be assured, be greatly annoyed at the expenditure of them."
What good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? What it is that the owners behold is doubtful. Ginsburg considers that the increased number of devourers is meant; but surely this sight could hardly be called
kishron, "success, profit." So it is better to take the sight to be the amassed wealth. The contemplation of this is the only enjoyment that the possessor realizes. So the Vulgate, Et
quid prodest possessori,
nisi quod cernit divitias oculis suis? Septuagint,
Καὶ τί ἀνδρεία τῷ παρ αὐτῆς ὅτι ἀρχὴτοῦ ὁρᾷν ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτοῦ," And in what does the excellence of the owner consist? except the power of seeing it with his eyes." A Lapide quotes Horace's portrait of the miser ('Sat.,' 1:1.66,
sqq.)
"Populus me sibilat; ut mihi plaudo
Ipse domi, simul ac, nummos contemplor in area...
... congestis undique saccis
Indormis inhians et tanquam parcere sacris
Cogeris aut pictis tanquam gaudere tabellis."
"He, when the people hissed, would turn about,
And dryly thus accost the rabble-rout:
Hiss on; heed you not, ye saucy wags,
While self-applauses greet me o'er my bags."
O'er countless heaps in nicest order stored,
You pore agape, and gaze upon the hoard,
As relics to be laid with reverence by,
Or pictures only meant to please the eye."
(Howes.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
When good thingsהַטּוֹבָ֔ה(haṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodincrease,בִּרְבוֹת֙(bir·ḇō·wṯ)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatso doרַבּ֖וּ(rab·bū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatthose who consume them;אוֹכְלֶ֑יהָ(’ō·wḵ·le·hā)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 398:To eatwhat thenוּמַה־(ū·mah-)Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatis the profitכִּשְׁרוֹן֙(kiš·rō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3788:Success, advantageto the owner,לִבְעָלֶ֔יהָ(liḇ·‘ā·le·hā)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1167:A master, a husband, ownerexceptכִּ֖י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionto behold themרְא֥וּת(rə·’ūṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7200:To seewith his eyes?עֵינָֽיו׃(‘ê·nāw)Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:11 When goods increase those who eat them (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
