The Illusion of Wealth

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

Ecclesiastes 5:10–12 NIV

10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. 11 As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them? 12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.

Introduction

We live in a world that constantly tells us that more is better.

More money, more possessions, more success—these things, we are told, will bring us happiness and security.

But is that really true?

Ecclesiastes, written by the Teacher, challenges this idea and exposes the illusion of wealth.

While money itself is not evil, an insatiable love for wealth can consume the soul, leaving a person restless, anxious, and ultimately unsatisfied.

The Unquenchable Thirst for More

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."

The Teacher makes an observation that is as true today as it was thousands of years ago: the love of money is never satisfied. No matter how much we accumulate, it is never enough.

Paul echoes this warning in 1 Timothy 6, exhorting believers not to put their hope in wealth but to be generous and willing to share.

1 Timothy 6:10 CSB

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

The Love of Money we often see it misquoted money is the root of all evil. but it is the love of money and not all evil just all kinds.

The problem is not money itself but the illusion that money can provide lasting security and fulfillment.

The more we chase after wealth, the more we realize that it cannot fill the void within us.

1 Timothy 6:17–18 CSB

17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,

Consider the example of the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22. Jesus told him to sell all he had, not because wealth was inherently sinful, but because it had become an obstacle to his discipleship.

Each of us has different things that compete for our devotion—comfort, family, reputation, or wealth—but all of them can lead to spiritual emptiness if they take the place of God in our hearts.

The Burden of Wealth

"As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?"

The Teacher points out another paradox of wealth: the more we have, the more others seek to take from us.

Whether it’s creditors, taxes, or those who want to benefit from our success, wealth does not bring peace.

Instead, it often increases our worries.

The wealthiest individuals are often the most burdened by lawsuits, financial stress, and the fear of losing what they have. The pursuit of wealth does not lead to freedom—it often leads to bondage.

I once joked with a friend about how winning the lottery sounded great until realizing you suddenly have more family members! Everyone comes out of the woodwork asking for loans, donations, or investments. Its a humorous take on how wealth can attract not just admiration, but also unwanted attention and expectations, highlighting the paradox of abundance versus peace.

The Sleepless Nights of the Wealthy

"The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep."

Here, the Teacher highlights another irony: those who have less often experience more peace than those who have more. The simple worker, who has just enough for daily needs, can sleep peacefully, while the wealthy are often consumed with worry.

There is a profound truth here: the pursuit of wealth leads to stress, anxiety, and a lack of contentment. We may think that more money will bring peace, but in reality, it often brings more complications.

The question we must ask ourselves is this—are we finding our rest in wealth or in God?

The Deception of Riches

"I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, or wealth lost through some misfortune."

The Teacher warns that wealth can be deceptive, luring us in with promises of security, only to vanish in an instant.

Matthew 16:25 CSB

25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.

Jesus gives a similar warning in Matthew 16:25, teaching that those who seek to save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake will find true life.

Wealth is fragile.

It can be lost through bad investments, economic downturns, or unexpected disasters. If we put our trust in it, we will inevitably be disappointed.

Next Steps: Finding Contentment in God

How, then, should we live in a world obsessed with wealth?

The answer is not to reject money altogether, but to steward it wisely and place our trust in God rather than in material things.

Be Generous: Instead of hoarding wealth, we are called to use it for God’s purposes (1 Timothy 6:18).

Find Security in God: True peace comes from trusting in God’s provision, not in our bank accounts (Matthew 6:25-34).

Seek Eternal Treasures: Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-20).

Conclusion

Wealth promises much but delivers little. It lures us in with the illusion of security, yet it can vanish in an instant. It offers happiness, yet it often leads to anxiety. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes reminds us that true contentment is not found in material possessions but in a life centered on God.

So let us ask ourselves: Are we seeking security in wealth, or are we resting in the peace that only God can provide?

True joy and contentment come not from accumulating more, but from trusting in the One who provides all we need.

May we, as followers of Christ, resist the illusion of wealth and instead embrace the eternal riches found in Him.

Bibliography

David G. Moore and Daniel L. Akin, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, ed. Max Anders, vol. 14 (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003).

David A. Hubbard and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, vol. 16, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991).

James W. Knox, “Fear of the Lord,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.

Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

BibleStudy

Bible Study: The Illusion of Wealth A 3-Day Study on Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

Day 1: The Unquenchable Thirst for More

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:10, 1 Timothy 6:10, Luke 18:22 Reflection:

The Teacher in Ecclesiastes states, "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." Why is money so often an unquenchable thirst?

In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul reminds us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Consider how wealth can shape our priorities, relationships, and spiritual walk.

Read Luke 18:22 and reflect on the rich young ruler. What do you think was the real issue that kept him from following Jesus? What might be competing for your devotion today?

Word Study: Pleonexia (πλεονεξία) – This Greek word means "greed" or "insatiable desire for more." It is often linked to idolatry in the New Testament (Colossians 3:5). Consider how this concept plays a role in our culture’s view of wealth.

Application:

Make a list of things you find yourself longing for that money can buy. How can you surrender these desires to God?

Pray and ask God to help you seek contentment in Him rather than material things.

Day 2: The Burden of Wealth

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:11, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 Reflection:

The Teacher points out that as wealth increases, so do those who consume it. Think about modern examples of this truth (e.g., celebrities, lottery winners, or personal experiences).

Paul warns against setting our hope on the uncertainty of riches. Why is wealth an unreliable source of security?

How does generosity combat the dangers of wealth? Consider how a heart of generosity aligns with God’s character.

Word Study: Mammon (μαμμωνᾶς) – This Aramaic word, used by Jesus in Matthew 6:24, represents wealth and material possessions. Jesus contrasts serving Mammon with serving God, emphasizing that wealth can become a rival master.

Application:

Identify areas where you might be placing security in finances rather than in God’s provision.

Find one way to be generous this week—whether through time, resources, or encouragement.

Day 3: The Sleepless Nights of the Wealthy

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:12-13, Matthew 16:25 Reflection:

The Teacher contrasts the restful sleep of a laborer with the anxious nights of the wealthy. Have you ever experienced worry related to finances? How did it affect your peace?

Jesus teaches in Matthew 16:25 that whoever tries to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for His sake will find it. How does this relate to our view of wealth?

Consider the life of someone who seems truly content. What sets them apart?

Word Study: Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – This Hebrew word means peace, wholeness, and completeness. True shalom is not found in wealth but in a right relationship with God. How does seeking God bring lasting peace?

Application:

Evaluate whether your financial priorities reflect trust in God or dependence on wealth.

Meditate on Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven. What are some practical ways to invest in eternal riches?

Next Steps: Preparing for Next Week’s Sermon

Reflect on the theme of true contentment and eternal investments.

Read Matthew 6:25-34 and journal about areas where you need to trust God more with your needs.

Pray for wisdom in managing finances and for a heart of generosity and trust in God’s provision.

May this study guide you in applying the sermon’s truths to your daily life, drawing you closer to God’s peace and contentment!

Notes

The Illusion of Wealth Sermon Notes Text: Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 Theme: Wealth promises security but ultimately cannot satisfy the soul. Application: Finding contentment in God rather than material possessions.

Introduction

Our culture tells us that ________ is better.

The Teacher in Ecclesiastes challenges this idea and exposes the ________ of wealth.

Money itself is not ________, but an insatiable love for wealth can consume the soul.

The Unquenchable Thirst for More

Ecclesiastes 5:10 – "Whoever loves ________ never has enough."

The more we accumulate, the more we realize it cannot ________ us.

1 Timothy 6:10 – "The love of money is a root of all kinds of ________."

The issue is not money, but the ________ of it.

The Burden of Wealth

Ecclesiastes 5:11 – "As goods increase, so do those who ________ them."

More wealth often leads to more ________, not more peace.

The pursuit of wealth does not lead to ________—it often leads to bondage.

The Sleepless Nights of the Wealthy

Ecclesiastes 5:12 – "The sleep of a laborer is ________, but the abundance of the rich permits them no ________."

Those who have less often experience more ________ than those who have more.

True rest is found in ________, not in wealth.

The Deception of Riches

Ecclesiastes 5:13 – Wealth can be ________ and easily lost.

Matthew 16:25 – "Whoever wants to save his life will ________ it."

Wealth is ________—it can vanish in an instant.

Next Steps: Finding Contentment in God

Be ________ – Use wealth for God's purposes (1 Timothy 6:18).

Find Security in ________ – Trust in His provision (Matthew 6:25-34).

Seek ________ Treasures – Store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

Conclusion

Wealth promises ________ but delivers little.

The Teacher reminds us that true ________ is found in a life centered on God.

Are we seeking security in ________, or are we resting in ________?

YouTube

Title: The Illusion of Wealth | Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

Description: Does wealth really bring happiness and security? Or is it just an illusion? In this sermon, we explore Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 and discover how the pursuit of money can leave us restless, anxious, and ultimately unsatisfied. The Bible warns us that while wealth itself is not evil, the love of money can consume our souls.

Join us as we learn: ✅ Why money never truly satisfies (Ecclesiastes 5:10) ✅ How wealth can become a burden instead of a blessing (Ecclesiastes 5:11-12) ✅ What Jesus teaches about finding true contentment (1 Timothy 6:17-18, Matthew 16:25)

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance financial success with a life of faith, this message is for you! Let’s break free from the illusion of wealth and find lasting joy in God.

📖 Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 5:10-12, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Luke 18:22, Matthew 6:19-20, Matthew 16:25

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