Ecclesiastes 5:14

Verse

or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

American Standard Version (1901)

and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

And I saw the destruction of his wealth by an evil chance; and when he became the father of a son he had nothing in his hand.

Free Bible Version

They put their money into bad investments and lose everything. Now when we're born, we don't bring anything into the world.

King James (Authorized) Version

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

Translation for Translators

because something happens that causes their money to be gone, and when they die, there is no money for their children to get/inherit.

Unlocked Literal Bible

When the rich man loses his wealth through bad luck, his own son, one whom he has fathered, is left with nothing in his hands.

Noah Webster Bible

But those riches perish by evil labor: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

World English Bible

Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Young's Literal Translation

And that wealth hath been lost in an evil business, and he hath begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!

Context

The Futility of Wealth

¹³There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,¹⁴or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

Summary

This verse in Ecclesiastes highlights the fleeting nature of wealth and possessions, emphasizing that they can easily be lost or squandered. It serves as a reminder that material riches do not guarantee lasting happiness or security, as they can disappear in an instant. The pursuit of wealth for its own sake is ultimately meaningless, as it cannot provide true fulfillment or eternal value. Instead, the focus should be on seeking contentment and satisfaction in God, who offers lasting peace and joy that transcends material possessions.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But those riches perish by evil travail,.... Or, "by an evil business or affair" (n). That is, such riches as are not well got, or are not used as they should be, these waste away and come to nothing; either by the owner's bad management, and misconduct in trade and business; or by fire, tempest, thieves, and robbers, and many other ways and means: these are very certain things; and there are various ways by which they make themselves wings and flee away, under the direction of a divine providence; and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand; the riches he had hoarded up, he designed for his son; but being stripped of them by one means or another, when he comes to die, has nothing to leave his son: or if his riches do not perish in his own lifetime, yet they are quickly consumed by his son, who, in a short time, has nothing to live upon; and so being brought up a gentleman, and in no business, is in a worse condition than such who have been brought up to work for their living, and in no expectation of an estate after the decease of their friends. The Targum understands it in this latter sense, paraphrasing the words thus, "and those riches, which he shall leave his son after his death, shall perish, because he hath gotten them in an evil way; and they shall not remain in the hand of the son whom he hath begotten; neither shall anything remain in his hand.'' (n) "occupatione, negotio, vel casu malo", Gejerus.