Ecclesiastes 5:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is truly beneficial and should be embraced is the divine gift that allows a person to take pleasure in their work, having received treasures that are graciously bestowed by God rather than unlawfully obtained. Such a person is free from the burden of grief and does not labor relentlessly under the weight of negative thoughts. Instead, they gauge their existence by the virtue of their life, showing kindness to all and delighting in the blessings bestowed by God.

He reflects on the theme of justice. One should not fall into despair due to injustice, as the Supreme Judge is set to reward lesser judges. Even when faced with tyrannical power, there is no reason for despondency, since it is preferable to being powerless. Shifting his focus to the topic of wealth, the preacher advises that a poor man lamenting his financial status should not envy the riches of others, for the poor man can experience greater joy in life than the wealthy. Moreover, the rich do not always utilize their wealth wisely. Therefore, the optimal approach is to find contentment in what God provides, without being anxious about what lies ahead.