Old Testament

New Testament

Ecclesiastes 5:8-16 Modern English Version (MEV)

8. If you see in a district the oppression of the poor and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness, do not be astounded at the matter; for the high official is watched over by an even higher official, and there are even higher officials over them.

9. But this is an advantage to the land in every way, like a king committed to a cultivated field.

10. He who loves money will not be satisfied with money;nor he who loves abundance with increase.This also is vanity.

11. When there is an increase of good things,then there is an increase of those who devour them.And what profit have the ownersexcept to see them with their eyes?

12. Sweet is the sleep of a laboring man,whether he eats a little or much;but the abundance of the richwill not let him sleep.

13. There is a grave misery that I have seen under the sun: when riches were kept by an owner to his hurt,

14. and those riches were lost in a misfortunate business deal;and although he has a son,there is nothing at all to put in his hand.

15. As he came from his mother’s womb,naked shall he return, to go as he came;he shall take nothing from his laborwhich he may carry away in his hands.

16. This also is a grievous evil: Just as he came,so shall he go.And what profit is there to him who toils for the wind?

Read complete chapter Ecclesiastes 5