Ecclesiastes 5:17

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

Ecclesiastes 5:17 (KJV)

Context

This verse pictures a person who has wealth yet lives in gloom. The surrounding passage describes the sorrow of riches kept to harm their owner. Solomon observes that such wealth cannot give true enjoyment. The contrast is with the gift of God, who enables a person to eat, drink, and find joy in labor (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).

Meaning

“All his days also he eateth in darkness” means the person’s whole life is marked by distress and lack of joy. The Hebrew word for darkness (choshek) can mean ignorance or spiritual blindness. Despite material abundance, such a person has no light or satisfaction. “Much sorrow and wrath with his sickness” shows the emotional and physical cost of a life focused only on gain. Sorrow is deep grief, wrath is anger or resentment, and sickness may be literal or a picture of inner turmoil. These troubles are not occasional; they fill all his days.

Biblical connections

This warning against making wealth an idol appears throughout Scripture. Jesus teaches that a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). The contrast is clear: a life centered on riches leads to darkness, while a life centered on God brings peace and contentment.

Application

This verse challenges us to examine our priorities. Wealth is not wrong, but it must not become an all-consuming focus. We should guard against neglecting health, relationships, and spiritual nourishment in the pursuit of money. True satisfaction comes from receiving our portion from God with a grateful heart.

Reflection

Consider whether your daily labor brings light or darkness to your soul. Ask God to help you find joy in Him rather than in possessions. A life surrendered to God can enjoy His gifts without being enslaved by them.