I went on to the consideration of wisdom, madness and folly. 13 And I saw that wisdom has as much profit over folly as light has over darkness. 14 Wise people have eyes in their heads, but fools walk in darkness. Yet I knew that the same lot befalls both. 15 So I said in my heart, if the fool’s lot is to befall me also, why should I be wise? Where is the profit? And in my heart I decided that this too is vanity. 16 The wise person will have no more abiding remembrance than the fool; for in days to come both will have been forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies like the fool! 17 Therefore I detested life, since for me the work that is done under the sun is bad; for all is vanity and a chase after wind. 18 And I detested all the fruits of my toil under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who is to come after me. 19 And who knows whether that one will be wise or a fool? Yet that one will take control of all the fruits of my toil and wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So my heart turned to despair over all the fruits of my toil under the sun. 21 For here is one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and that one’s legacy must be left to another who has not toiled for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 For what profit comes to mortals from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which they toil under the sun? 23 Every day sorrow and grief are their occupation; even at night their hearts are not at rest. This also is vanity. 24 There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink and provide themselves with good things from their toil. Even this, I saw, is from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or drink apart from God? 26 For to the one who pleases God, he gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the one who displeases, God gives the task of gathering possessions for the one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chase after wind.
Qoheleth acknowledges that wisdom is as superior to folly as light is superior to darkness. Wisdom brings clarity and understanding but folly leads to confusion and ignorance. Yet, both have the limitations of human understanding and mortality. Since both ultimately face death and will be forgotten over time, what is the value of wisdom? Is there a deeper perspective that man must seek that is beyond earthly pursuits?
Qoheleth speaks of disillusionment and despair as he ponders the ultimate futility and uncertainty of human toil. It is an injustice to leave the fruits of his labor to others who may neither appreciate nor deserve them. He realizes the fleeting nature of human accomplishments and mankind’s ultimate inability to find lasting fulfillment apart from God. Qoheleth acknowledges that even the simple pleasures of life are provided by God. True enjoyment and satisfaction come from recognizing and acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision in all aspects of life. True fulfillment is found in aligning one's life with God's purposes.
Almighty God, grant us the wisdom to see beyond the vanity of worldly endeavors and help us to find true fulfillment in recognizing your provision and aligning our lives with your eternal purposes. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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