Ecclesiastes 2:18 Cross References

Ecclesiastes 2:18

18: I am disgusted that I must leave the fruits of my hard work to others.

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend.

Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind.

Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.

So now the LORD said to him, "Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my laws, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.
But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son.
And even so, I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city."

I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards.
I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees.
I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves.
I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned great herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who lived in Jerusalem before me.
I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, and enjoy their work--whatever they do under the sun--for however long God lets them live.

Save me by your mighty hand, O LORD, from those whose only concern is earthly gain. May they have their punishment in full. May their children inherit more of the same, and may the judgment continue to their children's children.

"But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?'

And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world.

Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you in this world. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. Even this, however, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.

I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done in the world. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

"Then the rich man said, 'Please, Father Abraham, send him to my father's home.
For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them about this place of torment so they won't have to come here when they die.'

I know full well that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.
Even some of you will distort the truth in order to draw a following.

There is another serious problem I have seen in the world. Riches are sometimes hoarded to the harm of the saver,
or they are put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one's children.

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