Ecclesiastes 2:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Ecclesiastes indicates the unproductive person will unjustly receive a portion of what is rightfully earned by the diligent; this is indeed vanity and profound deceit. How can one overlook the extent of dedication and intention that lies within a person? As Ecclesiastes conveys: "For he knows a man in all his labour, and in the will of his heart, by which he toils under the sun." What does he discern? "How all the days of his sickness and fury his care, and in the night his heart sleepeth not." Truly, the existence of those tormented by unending desires is lamentable; their hearts are wounded by an insatiable longing for more. The greedy experience a torment not in the joy of what they possess but in the sorrow of what they do not. Such individuals toil day and night, their time consumed in labor throughout the day, while sleeplessness haunts their nights. The worries of gain offer no respite. Therefore, for those who observe these truths, how can they not see this disregard for life as vanity? Ecclesiastes further emphasizes, "And this also is vanity."

Although he reiterates this idea, the implication shifts; even if a man passes his work to his son, a relative, or someone familiar, ultimately it comes down to the same reality: another benefits from the toil of the deceased, and what is produced by the work of the departed is enjoyed by the living. Each should ponder their own efforts and recognize the labor that goes into crafting writings, how often one revises their style to produce something worthy of being read; and yet, he relinquishes his share to one who has not toiled. How do wisdom, knowledge, and virtue—elements that, according to Ecclesiastes, man labors for—relate to worldly possessions, especially when wisdom, knowledge, and virtue scorn earthly riches?

While acknowledging that futility pervades both sensual pursuits and intellectual endeavors, and that the entirety of human existence reflects this vanity, it does not lead to the conclusion that life should devolve into chaos and hedonism. Rather, it suggests a balanced approach: to harmonize wisdom with joy, while recognizing that all blessings are granted by God, specifically to those who are righteous. The ability to embrace life’s pleasures is ultimately rooted in God’s provision. Since the divine differentiates good from evil based on moral integrity, the overarching principle for living is to engage in virtuous actions and partake in life's joys, blending knowledge with pleasure. The validity of this principle lies in the fact that all things possess only relative worth; nothing is inherently good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant; instead, their nature shifts according to the circumstances.