The sleep of the worker is sweetThis phrase highlights the contentment and peace that come from honest labor. In biblical times, work was often physically demanding, and a laborer's rest was well-earned. The Bible frequently emphasizes the value of hard work (
Proverbs 12:11, 14:23). The sweetness of sleep here symbolizes the satisfaction and peace that come from fulfilling one's duties and living a life of integrity. This can be seen as a reflection of the divine order established in Genesis, where God Himself worked for six days and rested on the seventh (
Genesis 2:2-3).
whether he eats little or much
This part of the verse underscores the idea that contentment is not dependent on material wealth or abundance. The worker's peace is not tied to the quantity of his possessions or food, but rather to the fulfillment of his labor. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where He emphasizes that life is more than food and the body more than clothes (Matthew 6:25). The Apostle Paul also speaks to this inPhilippians 4:11-12, where he describes learning to be content in any circumstance.
but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep
Here, the focus shifts to the rich man, whose wealth and possessions become a source of anxiety rather than comfort. This reflects the biblical theme that riches can be a burden and a distraction from spiritual well-being (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The rich man's sleeplessness can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual unrest that comes from placing trust in material wealth rather than in God. Jesus' parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) illustrates the futility of hoarding wealth without being "rich toward God." This phrase serves as a caution against the false security that wealth can provide, reminding believers to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LaborerRepresents the common worker who finds satisfaction and rest in honest labor, regardless of material wealth.
2.
The Rich ManSymbolizes those who possess great wealth but are often burdened by the cares and anxieties that accompany it.
3.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was a king known for his wisdom, wealth, and eventual realization of the vanity of earthly pursuits.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Ecclesiastes was written, where wealth and labor were significant aspects of daily life.
5.
SleepUsed metaphorically to represent peace and contentment, contrasting the restlessness of those consumed by wealth.
Teaching Points
Contentment in SimplicityThe verse highlights the peace found in a simple life, encouraging believers to find satisfaction in their daily work and trust in God's provision.
The Burden of WealthWealth can bring anxiety and restlessness, reminding Christians to evaluate their priorities and focus on eternal values rather than material accumulation.
Trust in God's ProvisionThe laborer's sweet sleep serves as a reminder to trust in God's provision, knowing that He cares for our needs regardless of our material circumstances.
The Vanity of Earthly PursuitsSolomon's reflection on wealth and restlessness serves as a caution against pursuing wealth at the expense of spiritual peace and contentment.
The Importance of RestPhysical and spiritual rest are essential for well-being, and believers are encouraged to find rest in Christ, who offers true peace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:12?
2.How does Ecclesiastes 5:12 describe the sleep of a laborer versus the rich?
3.What does this verse teach about contentment and material wealth?
4.How can 1 Timothy 6:6-10 deepen our understanding of Ecclesiastes 5:12?
5.In what ways can you cultivate contentment in your daily life?
6.How does trusting God impact your peace and rest, according to Ecclesiastes 5:12?
7.How does Ecclesiastes 5:12 relate to the concept of contentment in Christian theology?
8.What does Ecclesiastes 5:12 suggest about the relationship between wealth and peace of mind?
9.How is the theme of labor and rest portrayed in Ecclesiastes 5:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5?
11.What does the Bible say about soul sleep?
12.Proverbs 12:9 implies it’s better to be humble with modest means than to pretend wealth, yet do historical or archaeological records support such an ethos in ancient Israelite society?
13.In Ecclesiastes 9:5, if the dead truly 'know nothing,' how does that square with verses elsewhere suggesting an active afterlife?
14.Why does Ecclesiastes say the dead are unconscious (Ecclesiastes 9:5), contradicting Jesus' teaching about Hell?What Does Ecclesiastes 5:12 Mean
The sleep of the worker is sweetAn honest day’s labor prepares both body and conscience for peaceful rest.Proverbs 3:24 promises the same: “When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet”.Genesis 2:15 shows that work was part of God’s original blessing, andEcclesiastes 2:24 calls enjoyment of work’s fruit “the gift of God.”
• Physical weariness settles the worker quickly.
• A clear conscience silences nagging thoughts.
• God delights to reward diligence with deep, refreshing sleep.
Whether he eats little or muchContentment—not portion size—determines restfulness.Philippians 4:11-12 models that spirit, and1 Timothy 6:8 reminds, “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these”.Proverbs 15:16 affirms that a little with the fear of the LORD outshines great treasure with turmoil.
• The worker can sleep soundly after a sparse supper or a feast.
• Gratitude turns every bite into satisfaction.
• Trust in God’s daily provision frees the heart from fretting over tomorrow.
But the abundance of the rich manThe scene flips: wealth brings fresh burdens.Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns that the lover of money is never satisfied.Luke 12:15 cautions, “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions”.
• More assets demand more oversight, insurance, and strategy.
• Riches invite envy, theft, and market volatility.
• Prosperity often shifts focus from God to self-reliance (Proverbs 23:4-5).
Permits him no sleepInstead of rest, the rich man lies awake.Psalm 127:2 calls such toil vain: God gives sleep to His beloved.Mark 4:19 notes that the deceitfulness of wealth chokes life.James 5:1-3 pictures riches corroding the soul.
• Fear of loss, economic swings, and estate matters dominate the mind.
• Schemes to grow or protect wealth crowd out peace.
• Only trust in the Lord, not assets, secures undisturbed sleep (Proverbs 10:22).
summaryEcclesiastes 5:12 contrasts two bedsides. The laborer, content with God’s provision, drifts into sweet sleep. The wealthy man, tangled in the cares of abundance, tosses through the night. Scripture calls us to embrace diligent work, practice contentment, and rest in God rather than riches, for genuine peace lies in Him alone.
Verse 12. - Another inconvenience of great wealth - it robs a man of his sleep.
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much. The laborer is the husbandman, the tiller of the ground (
Genesis 4:2). The Septuagint, with a different pointing, renders
δούλου, "slave," which is less appropriate, the fact being generally true of free or bond man. Whether his fare be plentiful or scanty, the honest laborer earns and enjoys his night's rest.
But the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. The allusion is not to the overloading of the stomach, which might occasion sleeplessness in the case of the poor equally with the rich man, but to the cares and anxieties which wealth brings. "Not a soft couch, nor a bedstead overlaid with silver, nor the quietness that exists throughout the house, nor any other circumstance of this nature, are so generally wont to make sleep sweet and pleasant, as that of laboring, and growing weary, and lying down with a disposition to sleep, and very greatly needing it .... Not so the rich. On the contrary, whilst lying on their beds, they are frequently without sleep through the whole night; and, though they devise many schemes, they do not obtain such pleasure" (St. Chrysostom, 'Hom. on Stat.,' 22). The contrast between the grateful sleep of the tired worker and the disturbed rest of the avaricious and moneyed and luxurious has formed a fruitful theme for poets. Thus Horace, 'Carm.,' 3:1.21 -
"Somnus agrestium
Lenis virorum non humiles domes
Fastidit umbrosamque ripam,
Non Zephyris agitata Tempe."
"Yet sleep turns never from the lowly shed
Of humbler-minded men, nor from the eaves
In Tempe's graceful vale is banished,
Where only Zephyrs stir the murmuring leaves."
(Stanley.) And the reverse, 'Sat.,' 1:1.76,sqq.-
"An vigilare metu exanimem, noctesque diesque
Formidare males fures, inccndia, serves,
Ne to compilent fugientes, hoc juvat?" . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The sleepשְׁנַ֣ת(šə·naṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8142:Sleepof the workerהָעֹבֵ֔ד(hā·‘ō·ḇêḏ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslaveis sweet,מְתוּקָה֙(mə·ṯū·qāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 4966:Sweet, sweetnesswhetherאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, nothe eatsיֹאכֵ֑ל(yō·ḵêl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatlittleמְעַ֥ט(mə·‘aṭ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592:A little, fewness, a feworוְאִם־(wə·’im-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notmuch,הַרְבֵּ֖ה(har·bêh)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatbut the abundanceוְהַשָּׂבָע֙(wə·haś·śā·ḇā‘)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7647:Plenty, satietyof the rich manלֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר(le·‘ā·šîr)Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223:Richpermitsמַנִּ֥יחַֽ(man·nî·aḥ)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3240:Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place,himל֖וֹ(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewnoאֵינֶ֛נּוּ(’ê·nen·nū)Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlesleep.לִישֽׁוֹן׃(lî·šō·wn)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3462:To be slack, languid, sleep, to grow old, stale, inveterate
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
