Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 5:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
There is a sore evil that I have seen under the sun: riches kept by their owners to their hurt.
Compare translations
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
What Ecclesiastes 5:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
The writer observes a troubling reality: people often accumulate wealth, but this can lead to their own downfall. Holding onto riches can create stress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation. Instead of bringing happiness, these possessions can become burdens. The more we cling to material wealth, the more we risk losing sight of what truly matters in life. This passage serves as a reminder that wealth, when hoarded, can harm us rather than help us. It encourages us to reflect on our relationship with money and possessions. Are we using our resources wisely, or are we allowing them to control us? Ultimately, the pursuit of wealth should not overshadow our well-being and relationships with others. Finding balance is key to a fulfilling life, where we can enjoy what we have without being consumed by it. This insight challenges us to rethink our priorities and the role of money in our lives, urging us to seek a healthier perspective on wealth and its impact on our happiness.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 5:13 to your life
Consider how your possessions affect your life. Are they a source of joy or stress? Reflect on your spending habits and think about ways to use your resources to enrich your life and the lives of others. Balance is essential for true happiness and fulfillment. Let go of what weighs you down and focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 5:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 5:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 5:13 mean?
Ecclesiastes 5:13 highlights the negative consequences of hoarding wealth. It suggests that keeping riches can lead to personal harm, causing stress and anxiety instead of happiness.
What is the meaning of riches kept by their owners in Ecclesiastes 5:13?
The phrase refers to the tendency of individuals to accumulate wealth without sharing or using it wisely. This behavior can ultimately lead to their own detriment, as it may create burdens rather than joy.
How can Ecclesiastes 5:13 apply to my life?
You can apply this verse by evaluating your relationship with money and possessions. Consider whether your wealth brings you joy or stress, and strive for a balance that prioritizes well-being over material accumulation.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 5:13?
Key themes in this verse include the burden of wealth, the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of prioritizing relationships over material possessions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.