Ecclesiastes 5:14

Maasai 2018 (BIBLIA SINYATI TE NKUTUK OO LMAASAI NATISIRAKI ENG'EJUK NAATA MBUKUI E DITROKANONI)

Neimin pooki to lbuket, nemeleku toki naisho inkera enyena.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Ecclesiastes says that a person can work very hard to become rich, but their wealth can disappear, and their child may inherit nothing. The speaker is the Teacher, and the key message is that wealth isn't always secure or passed down.

Explained for Children

Imagine a person who works really hard to build a big sandcastle. They're so proud of it, but a big wave comes and washes it all away. Then, they have a baby, but there's no sandcastle left to show them.

Historical Background

Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon or someone speaking in his voice, around 950 BC. The book was meant for Israelites to consider the meaning of life in light of their daily experiences and the uncertainty of wealth and legacy.

Living It Out Today

Consider a modern scenario where a business owner works tirelessly to grow their company but then faces unexpected financial setbacks. They pass on their business to their children, but it's left in a poor state with little value remaining.

Topics

• wealth
• inheritance
• hardship
• wisdom
• futility
• legacy

Related Verses

• Proverbs 13:22
• Psalm 39:6
• Luke 12:16-21
• 1 Timothy 6:9-10
• James 5:1-3

Recommended Reading

Commentary Ecclesiastes Commentaries → Get This Bible Maasai (BIBLIA SINYATI TE NKUTUK OO LMAASAI NATISIRAKI ENG'EJUK NAATA MBUKUI E DITROKANONI) Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'evil travail' mean in Ecclesiastes 5:14?

'Evil travail' refers to the hard, often fruitless labor that can lead to the loss of one's wealth. It highlights the struggle and the eventual futility of such labor.

How does this verse apply to modern financial planning?

This verse reminds us that financial security is not guaranteed, and planning for the future must include considering the unpredictability of wealth and the importance of wise stewardship.

Can you give an example of a real-life situation where this verse applies?

A business owner who loses their fortune due to market downturns, leaving their children without a financial inheritance, directly parallels the message of Ecclesiastes 5:14.

What does Ecclesiastes 5:14 say about the nature of wealth?

Ecclesiastes 5:14 suggests that wealth can be fleeting and that the efforts to maintain or grow it can be exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling, emphasizing the transient nature of material possessions.