Ecclesiastes 4:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I observed those around me who toil excessively, amassing wealth through both just and unjust means, yet they fail to utilize what they have acquired. They possess abundance, depend on their riches, care for others, but do not savor the fruits of their labor, particularly when they lack a son, brother, or kinsman to whom they might pass their legacy. It appears as though they bequeath their righteous efforts to their neighbors. Hence, I concluded that nothing is more futile than a person who accumulates riches without knowing to whom they will be entrusted. This notion can also be interpreted in relation to those who pen books and leave them for readers who do not value them.

There is, however, another reality that I observe occurring to the husband, which is contrary to what should have been, due to malice.

The preacher reflects on the various experiences of human life. Observing the way individuals oppress one another, he concludes that enduring such a great amount of suffering may render life unworthy (4:1-3). He notes the relentless efforts of a businessman striving to outdo his peers, yet finds that envy, pride, and jealousy drive him in this quest. Conversely, another individual succumbs to lethargy, wasting away in idleness and ultimately facing an unwise demise. It is wise to steer clear of both extremes and to calmly seek what is essential to meet one's needs (4-6).