Translations
Modern
The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.
Traditional
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
Literal
Sweet is the sleep of the one working, whether he eats little or much; but the satsifaction of the rich one will not allow rest for him to sleep.
Latin
Dulcis est somnus operanti, sive parum sive multum comedat; saturitas autem divitis non sinit eum dormire.
Original
Hebrew
English
The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.
Notes
The sleep of the worker is sweet: Hard work and balance create a peaceful, productive life. Chasing wealth causes unnecessary worries (Ecclesiastes 5:3).
Theme notes and profiles
Laziness and Hard Work Material Reward Wealth and Poverty in the Wisdom Literature
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Being Content Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Getting Rest Labor: General Scriptures Concerning Riches: General Scriptures Concerning Riches: Often Lead to Anxiety