THEOSISGregory the Wonderworker
Virtue brings great joy to those who embrace it, instilling them with bravery and granting them insight into all matters. Nonetheless, it is essential not to become overly attached to these preoccupations.
Ecclesiastes 5:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Where there are great riches, there are also many to eat them. And what doth it profit the owner, but that he seeth the riches with his eyes?
בִּרְבוֹת֙ הַטּוֹבָ֔ה רַבּ֖וּ אוֹכְלֶ֑יהָ וּמַה־כִּשְׁרוֹן֙ לִבְעָלֶ֔יהָ כִּ֖י אִם־ראית רְא֥וּת עֵינָֽיו׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Gregory the Great
Is there a yearning for the accumulation of wealth and material possessions? Let them reflect on these words: Whoever loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, and those who crave abundance will not find joy in it (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:9). One who wisely utilizes resources for their own benefit as well as for others, without becoming overly attached, will find true enjoyment; however, one who becomes enslaved by such possessions will ultimately leave them behind without profit. Are they attempting to fulfill themselves through these advantages? This should not deter them from recognizing that those who hastily seek riches will face repercussions (Proverbs 28:20).
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Furthermore, those who are determined to amass wealth and savor its rewards with all their strength and by any means will inevitably entangle themselves in vices and shy away from righteousness. In pursuing the temptation of worldly delights, they become ensnared like birds, unaware of the sinful trap that could lead to their downfall.
Ireneus (Orda)
He reflects on the execution of justice, observing that one should not surrender to despair in the face of injustice, for the supreme Judge will recompense the lesser judges. Even oppressive authority should not lead to hopelessness, as it is preferable to weakness. Regarding wealth, the preacher advises that the impoverished individual, who laments his lack of riches, ought not to resent the abundance of the wealthy; instead, the poor may find greater joy in life than the affluent. It is also noted that the wealthy may not always utilize their riches appropriately. Consequently, it is wise to appreciate the gifts from God and to live without anxiety about the future.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- 1 Tim 6:10For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.
- Matt 6:24No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
- Luke 12:15And he said to them: Take heed and beware of all covetousness: for a man's life doth not consist in the abundance of things which he possesseth.
- Matt 6:19Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust, and moth consume, and where thieves break through, and steal.
- Eccl 4:8There is but one, and he hath not a second, no child, no brother, and yet he ceaseth not to labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches, neither doth he reflect, saying: For whom do I labour, and defraud my soul of good things? in this also is vanity, and a grievous vexation.
- Eccl 4:4Again I considered all the labours of men, and I remarked that their industries are exposed to the envy of their neighbour: so in this also there is vanity, and fruitless care.
- Ps 62 (61):10
- Eccl 2:26God hath given to a man that is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he hath given vexation, and superfluous care, to heap up and to gather together, and to give it to him that hath pleased God: but this also is vanity, and a fruitless solicitude of the mind.