Ecclesiastes 5:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In this way, departing without gain, he will only amplify his evil, seemingly unaware of his mortality that awaits him, as if he were not mindful of the futility of his efforts. He toils not for a worthy purpose but in pursuit of fleeting winds, squandering his entire existence on sinful cravings and irrational ambitions, along with enduring grief and afflictions. Ultimately, for such an individual, his days are filled with darkness, and his life is marked by anguish.

He examines the administration of justice, noting that injustice should not lead to despair, as the Supreme Judge will ultimately reward those in lesser positions. Even in the face of tyrannical authority, one should not succumb to hopelessness since it holds more value than total helplessness. When he addresses the topic of wealth, the preacher advises the impoverished individual who mourns their financial state not to envy the affluent, for the poor can experience greater joy in life than the wealthy. Moreover, the affluent may not always enjoy their riches. Thus, it is wise to find contentment in what God provides, without fretting over tomorrow.