Ecclesiastes 5:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is truly good and should be embraced is the blessing from God that allows a person to find joy in their work, having earned treasures that are divine rather than deceitfully acquired. Such a person is free from the burdens of sorrow, diligently avoiding wicked thoughts. Instead, they gauge their existence by the goodness that surrounds them, being generous to everyone and delighting in the gifts bestowed by God.

There exists a straightforward interpretation. When a person is affluent, possessing ample bread and wine beyond what they can consume, this abundance is a divine gift. The plentiful provisions meant to satisfy one's hunger and thirst are indeed blessings from God. However, should one indulge beyond their needs, their consumption of these resources reflects not divine generosity, but rather the allure of earthly desires. On a spiritual level, God imparts wisdom and enriches one’s life with understanding, allowing an individual to partake in the fruits of their labor, nourished by the bread of wisdom and the living water that transforms into fine wine. This, without a doubt, is a divine blessing. If anyone embraces a spiritual gift authentically, it ultimately results in the grace bestowed upon them in the end.

He also examines the administration of justice, reminding us that injustices should not lead to despair; the Supreme Judge will hold accountable those who serve as lesser judges. Even in the face of tyrannical authority, one should not succumb to hopelessness, as having such power is preferable to feeling powerless. When addressing the matter of wealth, the preacher points out that a poor individual who bemoans his situation ought not to resent the affluence of the wealthy, as the poor may experience greater joy in life than their richer counterparts, who may not always be able to enjoy their riches. Consequently, one should aim to find delight in the gifts bestowed by God, without fretting about what lies ahead.