Ecclesiastes 5:15
As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
Ecclesiastes 5:15 (KJV)
Context
In Ecclesiastes 5, the Teacher reflects on the vanity of wealth and the limits of human labor. Verses 13-17 describe a person who hoards riches, only to lose them through misfortune, leaving nothing for his heir. Verse 15 draws a universal conclusion: as we enter the world with nothing, so we leave with nothing. The next verse calls this a sore evil and asks what profit remains from laboring for the wind.
Meaning
The verse begins by pointing to our entry from the mother’s womb, showing our original vulnerability and dependency. It then declares that we return naked, meaning at death we carry nothing away. The phrase “take nothing of his labour” stresses that material possessions, achievements, and all we gather cannot go beyond the grave. This challenges the pursuit of wealth as a source of lasting security.
Biblical connections
This truth echoes Job 1:21, where Job acknowledges that he came naked from the womb and will return naked, blessing the Lord who gives and takes away. Both passages teach human frailty and complete dependence on God. They do not say life is meaningless, but that earthly treasures are temporary.
Application
This verse encourages us to reassess our priorities. Work and wealth have their place, but they are temporary. We should invest our time and effort in things of eternal value, such as our relationship with God and acts of love, kindness, and service to others. The passage later shows that enjoying the fruit of our labor is a gift from God, so we need not despise daily blessings.
Reflection
Recognizing that we cannot carry possessions into eternity frees us from the love of money. It calls us to find contentment in God’s provision rather than in accumulating earthly treasures. For the Christian, this points to an eternal perspective: our ultimate treasure is in heaven, not on earth. We are invited to live with open hands, holding what we have lightly and seeking what truly matters in light of eternity.
