Ecc 5:11-12, 18 | JFB | STEP | 11. they . . . that eat them

Ecclesiastes 5:11-12

11. they . . . that eat them—the rich man's dependents (Ps 23:5).

12. Another argument against anxiety to gain riches. "Sleep . . . sweet" answers to "quietness" (Ec 4:6); "not suffer . . . sleep," to "vexation of spirit." Fears for his wealth, and an overloaded stomach without "laboring" (compare Ec 4:5), will not suffer the rich oppressor to sleep.

Ecclesiastes 5:18

18. Returns to the sentiment (Ec 3:12, 13, 22); translate: "Behold the good which I have seen, and which is becoming" (in a man).

which God giveth—namely, both the good of his labor and his life.

his portion—legitimately. It is God's gift that makes it so when regarded as such. Such a one will use, not abuse, earthly things (1Co 7:31). Opposed to the anxious life of the covetous (Ec 5:10, 17).