8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.
9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.
10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; so what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes?
12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.
Do not be surprised or dismayed at the systemic injustice and oppression of human government (v.8) — Grace, page 1173.
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The argument of verse 8 is that if God, who is higher than the kings of the earth, temporarily permits oppression, His child is not to be stumbled, or confused by the fact, but approve the Divine purpose; at the same time recognizing (v.9) that God never intended private ownership of land; that such an economic system is the basal cause of poverty; and that the profit of the land should be for the benefit of all the members of the province who cooperate to produce the profit. A laboring man (v.12) is really happier and richer than the millionaire (vs.10-11). — Williams, page 443.
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Those who suffer from oppression should consider the way to true profit to be this: the problem of injustice must be resolved by designated leadership. Rulers are to rule for good (Romans 13), and it is an advantage to the country that they are there. Their presence may not always further justice, but their absence is sure to guarantee anarchy. — KJV Commentary, page 743.
He who loves silver (v.10) — The love of money increases, in proportion, as money increases.
For most people, more money leads to a bigger house, a bigger car, more taxes, etc., so that their net gain is zero (Proverbs 23:5). “See them with their eyes” (v.11) — Having to keep an eye on their possessions. — Grace, page 1173.
Verse 12 is saying that the rich have many possessions and, therefore, much to worry about. This worry prevents them from sleeping comfortably. The laboring man, however, has few possessions and few worries. Therefore, he will sleep soundly.
