Ecclesiastes 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The worker enjoys sweet sleep whether his meal is small or large, while the rich man's plenty keeps him anxiously awake.
What Does Ecclesiastes 5:12 Mean?
The Preacher draws a vivid contrast from ordinary experience. The one who labors with his hands lies down and sleeps well, his body honestly tired and his mind unburdened by surplus.
The wealthy, by contrast, are kept awake by the very abundance they have gathered, restless with worry over keeping and increasing it. Here is a quiet blessing hidden in honest work and a quiet warning folded into riches. Contentment is its own reward; the peaceful rest of a simple, trusting heart is a gift that money cannot buy and excess can actually steal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 5:12
What does Ecclesiastes 5:12 mean?
The worker enjoys sweet sleep whether his meal is small or large, while the rich man's plenty keeps him anxiously awake.