The Grievous Evil of Hoarded Riches | Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

Ever put everything into something, only to watch it crumble? A business deal, a retirement plan, an investment—all gone in a moment. Solomon calls this a grievous evil because he saw it happen time and time again.

Money was hoarded, but instead of bringing security, it brought ruin. Riches were lost in risky ventures. A father worked hard, yet had nothing to pass on to his son. And in the end? He left this world the same way he entered it—empty-handed.

Welcome to The Daily. We go through the bible verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, every single day.

Our text today is Ecclesiastes 5:13-17.

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. — Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

When Money Owns You
This text isn’t about wealth—it’s about what wealth does to you.

Solomon describes a man who spent his life chasing riches, only to lose them. But the real loss wasn’t the money. It was his peace. His joy. His purpose. He worked endlessly, yet it amounted to nothing.

That’s what happens when money owns you. It promises security but delivers stress. It promises freedom but demands your worship. It promises joy but leaves you toiling for the wind.

What’s the Answer?
Hold wealth loosely. You came in with nothing, and you’ll leave with nothing. Use what you have for God’s purposes, not just your own gain.

Invest in what lasts. Money can be lost in a moment, but character, faith, and relationships have eternal value.

Live with peace, not fear. The man in Solomon’s story lived in darkness, sickness, and anger. But when our treasure is in Christ, we’re free from the anxiety wealth can bring.

#EternalInvestment #TrustGodNotMoney #TrueRiches

ASK THIS:
Have you ever held onto something so tightly that it ended up hurting you?
Do you find security in money, or in God’s provision?
Are you investing in things that last, or chasing after things that can disappear overnight?
How can you shift your focus today from earthly gain to eternal impact?
DO THIS:
Write down one financial goal you have. Then, ask yourself: Does this goal serve God’s kingdom or just my own comfort? If needed, adjust your mindset and priorities.

PRAY THIS:
Father, help me to see wealth for what it is—a tool, not a treasure. Keep me from chasing riches that fade and instead teach me to invest in what truly matters. May my heart be set on eternal things, not fleeting wealth. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Alive.