Ecclesiastes 5:14
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Ecclesiastes 5:14 (KJV)
Context
This verse appears in Ecclesiastes, a book traditionally attributed to King Solomon. The writer examines human effort, especially the pursuit of wealth, and shows its limits. Here he warns that riches kept for oneself can bring harm rather than security. The surrounding passage, Ecclesiastes 5:13-17, describes the vanity of hoarding wealth.
Meaning
The phrase “those riches perish by evil travail” means wealth can disappear through misfortune or poor choices. “Evil travail” points to an unfortunate business affair, such as fraud, fire, theft, or unwise trade. A man may work hard and gain much, yet lose it all. The loss is not always his fault, but the result is the same: what he stored up is gone.
The second part, “he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand,” reveals the painful outcome. A father hopes to leave an inheritance, but because his wealth vanished, he has nothing to give. The son receives no provision, and the father’s labor seems wasted. This shows that wealth cannot guarantee a legacy.
Biblical connections
This teaching continues in Ecclesiastes 5:15, which states that a person leaves the world as he entered it, taking nothing from his labor. The same truth appears in 1 Timothy 6:7, reminding us that we bring nothing into the world and can carry nothing out. These passages together stress that material wealth cannot give lasting security. They also point to our deep need for God, who alone provides true stability.
Application
This verse does not condemn wealth itself. It warns against trusting in riches as the foundation of life. Believers should manage resources wisely, avoid dishonest gain, and remember that God is the true provider. Instead of storing treasure only on earth, we should invest in what endures: faith, love, and service to others. Such investments are not lost when earthly wealth perishes.
Reflection
Consider what you are building your life upon. If all your possessions disappeared tomorrow, what would remain? True security is found not in what we hold in our hands, but in our relationship with God, who gives the ability to enjoy the fruit of our labor (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Let this verse lead you to a humble, dependent heart.
