Ecclesiastes 5
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8–9 It’s no wonder the poor are oppressed. Officials abuse their authority; each one takes some land for himself, usually with the connivance of the official above him. The king himself profits from the system. When a leader oppresses the poor, those under him are sure to do likewise.
10–12 Yet this desire for land and wealth is never satisfied (verse 10); one always craves more (see 1 Timothy 6:9–10,17–19). And with more wealth comes more anxiety—even loss of sleep (verse 12).
13–17 In these verses, the Teacher further describes the folly of storing up treasures on earth; it’s much better to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21).
18–20 Here the Teacher repeats the observations he has made earlier (see Ecclesiastes 2:24–25; 3:12–13,22): it is good to enjoy the gifts that God has given us in life—including wealth and possessions (verse 19). If men and women seek to please God and do good day by day, He will keep them occupied with gladness of heart (verse 20). In saying this, the Teacher acknowledges that life can be satisfying—even if we cannot know its full meaning.