If a man live many years, and have rejoiced in them all, he must remember the darksome time, and the many days: which when they shall come, the things past shall be accused of vanity.
כִּ֣י אִם־שָׁנִ֥ים הַרְבֵּ֛ה יִחְיֶ֥ה הָאָדָ֖ם בְּכֻלָּ֣ם יִשְׂמָ֑ח וְיִזְכֹּר֙ אֶת־יְמֵ֣י הַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ כִּֽי־הַרְבֵּ֥ה יִהְי֖וּ כָּל־שֶׁבָּ֥א הָֽבֶל׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
One who perceives the sun as magnificent, finds joy in this earthly existence, and believes that a long life filled with unending happiness is desirable, also regards death as dreadful, inherently evil, and an end to all things. Such a person assumes they ought to relish all that is immediate and deemed pleasurable.
He embodies a wise and thoughtful approach to existence, recognizing the transience of earthly life. Instead of focusing on its advantages, he acknowledges its limitations, leading him to ultimately determine that the pleasures found within this life are insignificant. Solomon remarks: "If a man live many years, let him be merry in the continuance of them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, which shall be many." When those darker times arrive, the futility of past experiences will become evident.
One should not hesitate to perform acts of kindness, even if there seems to be no expectation of a reward; often, after a considerable period, good deeds are acknowledged (11:1). We ought to extend our goodwill to as many individuals as possible, for in times of unforeseen adversity, at least one of those we have helped may come to our aid (2). To experience true joy in our endeavors (‘reap’), favorable conditions that align with God’s will are necessary, along with human effort (*sow*). There are instances when these conditions are apparent to us, such as when the clouds gather to provide rain or when a tree falls and remains where it has landed (3).
Yet, there are also situations where we lack understanding, like the winds and their mysterious paths or the formation of life within a mother’s womb (5). Therefore, one should not squander time trying to analyze or explain these mysteries (4); rather, one should consistently engage in good works with patience, knowing that what may have failed once due to adverse conditions could succeed in the future (6). Nevertheless, regardless of outcomes, life in itself possesses its joys (7), and if one does not overly pursue success, one might find happiness in the present moment, no matter the circumstances. Especially when considering the length of the periods of silence that follow death, a time when one can no longer bask in the light and joy of the living (7), it is essential to cherish the present, as all uncertainties of the future are ultimately fleeting (8).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS