Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the eye not being satisfied with riches is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the insatiable nature of human desire and the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth. This theme is particularly evident in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where the limitations of earthly possessions are contrasted with the enduring value of spiritual riches.Ecclesiastes 4:8 · The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the vanity of human toil and the endless pursuit of wealth. He observes, "There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. There is no end to his toil, and his eyes are not content with wealth. 'For whom do I toil and deprive myself of pleasure?' This too is futile—a miserable task." . This passage underscores the emptiness of laboring solely for material gain, as the eye, symbolic of desire, remains unsatisfied despite the accumulation of riches. Proverbs 27:20 · The proverb states, "Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied." . Here, the insatiable nature of the grave is likened to human desire, emphasizing that just as death is never full, so too are the eyes of man never content with what they possess. This comparison serves as a stark reminder of the futility of seeking satisfaction in temporal wealth. Ecclesiastes 5:10 · Further elaborating on this theme, the Preacher declares, "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is futile." . The pursuit of wealth, driven by the love of money, is portrayed as an endless cycle that fails to bring true contentment. The eye, representing human desire, remains perpetually unfulfilled, highlighting the transient nature of material possessions. 1 John 2:16 · In the New Testament, the Apostle John warns against the lust of the eyes, which is part of the worldly desires that lead one away from God. "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world." . The "desires of the eyes" are linked to covetousness and the relentless pursuit of material wealth, which ultimately do not satisfy the deeper spiritual needs of the soul. Matthew 6:22-23 · Jesus teaches about the importance of spiritual vision, stating, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" . Here, the eye symbolizes one's focus and desires. A healthy spiritual perspective leads to a life filled with light, while an unhealthy focus on material wealth results in spiritual darkness. The biblical portrayal of the eye as never satisfied with riches serves as a cautionary message about the dangers of materialism and the importance of seeking fulfillment in God rather than in the fleeting pleasures of this world. The Scriptures consistently encourage believers to fix their eyes on eternal treasures, which alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 4:8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither said he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a sore travail. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Words Themselves in General. Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all ... The First Chapter: Imitating Christ and Despising all Vanities on ... Tenth Commandment On the Danger of Increasing Riches Two Kinds of Riches A Believer's Privilege at Death To Prayer, Then, are we Indebted for Penetrating to those Riches ... Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Easter The Hope of Future Bliss Resources What does the Bible mean by "an eye for an eye"? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the all-seeing eye? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be the apple of God's eye? | GotQuestions.org Eye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Eye of Evil Desire, Never Satisfied The Eye: (Anointing With Eyesalve) of Healing by the Spirit The Eye: (Open) Spiritual Illumination The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Directing The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Seeing The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Weeping The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Winking The Eye: Not Evil Thing to be Set Before The Eye: Not Satisfied With Riches The Eye: Not Satisfied With Seeing The Eye: Often Put out As a Punishment The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Apple or Ball The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Brow The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Lid The Eye: Punishment for Injuring The Eye: The Jewish Women often Painted The Eye: The Jews: Cast, on the Ground in Humiliation The Eye: The Jews: Not to Make Baldness Between The Eye: The Jews: Raised Up, in Prayer The Eye: The Jews: Wore Their Phylacteries Between The Eye: The Light of the Body The Eye: The Light of, Rejoices the Heart Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |