Ecclesiastes 5:12

“The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much, etc.] Or “of a servant”f132, who enjoys sleep equally as a king; a tiller of the ground, as Jarchi; who also interprets it of one that serves the Lord, as likewise the Targum; a beloved one of his, to whom he gives sleep, (<19C702>Psalm 127:2). A refreshing sleep is always reckoned a great mercy and blessing, and which labouring men enjoy with sweetnessf133; for if they have but little to eat at supper, yet coming weary from their work, sleep is easily brought on when they lie down, and sound sleep they have, and rise in the morning lively and active, and fit for business; or, if they eat more plentifully, yet through…”

“Another argument against anxiety to gain riches. "Sleep . . . sweet" answers to "quietness" (Ecc 4:6); "not suffer . . . sleep," to "vexation of spirit." Fears for his wealth, and an overloaded stomach without "laboring" (compare Ecc 4:5), will not suffer the rich oppressor to sleep.”

“Labouring man - Not a slave (Septuagint), but everyone who, according to the divine direction, earns his bread in the sweat of his brow. return to 'Top of Page'”

“5:12 People who work hard sleep well: Hard work and moderation yield the formula for a peaceful, productive life. Pursuing wealth leads to unnecessary anxieties (5:3).”

“Psa 4:8, Psa 127:2; Pro 3:24; Jer 31:26 Ecclesiastes 5:13”

“He can also eat that which is good, and can eat much; but he does not on that account sleep more quietly than the labourer who lives from hand to mouth: "Sweet is the sleep of the labourer, whether he eats little or much; but, on the contrary, the abundance of the rich does not permit him to sleep." The lxx, instead of "labourer," uses the word "slave" (δούλου), as if the original were העבד. But, as a rule, sound sleep is the reward of earnest labour; and since there are idle servants as well as active masters, there is no privilege to servants. The Venet. renders rightly by "of the husbandman" (ἐργάτου), the האדמה עבד; the "labourer" in general is called עמל, Ecc 4:8 and Jdg 5:26,…”