Ecclesiastes 6:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The discerning are not affected by these tribulations. Nevertheless, it often occurs that a life of righteousness results in material lack.

To combat the irrational craving for material wealth, the virtuous individual emphasizes that riches possess some merit only when utilized; in the absence of tangible pleasure, they hold no true value. It is preferable to experience a miscarriage, which signifies complete emptiness, than to be a wealthy person, for the affluent individual is acutely aware of this emptiness. Existence devoid of meaning is far worse than non-existence itself, regardless of its duration. Human toil, alongside wisdom, fails to satisfy the heart; therefore, it is wiser to partake in genuine blessings with moderation, to rein in one’s desires, and to avoid futile conflict with a higher power in pursuit of them. This is because we cannot ascertain whether our ambitions are virtuous or if attaining what we seek will lead to happiness, while the outcomes after death, which often provide comfort to mankind, remain uncertain.