TO THE SINNER HE GIVES TRAVAIL

Intelligence Brief

Bible Dictionary: 'Lachoteh' (to the sinner) God gives 'inyan' (travail, burden, occupation) — the task of gathering and heaping up wealth that will ultimately go to those who please God. This is not arbitrary punishment but the natural consequence of living 'under the sun' without reference to the Giver. Historical Context: Solomon observed this pattern repeatedly: the wicked labor, accumulate, and die; their wealth passes to others, often to the righteous. This is not karma but providence — God's sovereign distribution that mocks human attempts to secure the future through accumulation. Scarlet Thread: Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) who accumulated wealth and planned to enjoy it, only to die that night. 'So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.' The sinner's travail is real; the solution is to be 'rich toward God' — which is only possible through Christ.

Scripture References