The Preacher watches the money pile up and asks the obvious question nobody wants to hear: what exactly did it get you? Riches hoarded bring anxiety, riches lost leave nothing to pass on, and the man who has everything still can't stop wanting more. Qoheleth traces the grotesque math of greed: the more you earn, the more mouths show up to eat it, and the only dividend is watching other people spend your wealth. Even the stillborn child, he says, has more rest than the rich man who never learns to enjoy what God actually gave him.

The Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor emeritus, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ecclesiastes 5:8–6:9.

What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Ecclesiastes 5:8–6:9: The Midas Trap: Money Never Satisfies