Ecclesiastes 7:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Among the various arguments presented by Pelagius, he reiterates: "I assert once more that a sinless individual may exist. And what is your claim? You say a sinless man cannot exist." He further clarifies that he does not claim there has been a sinless person, nor do you claim that no one is without sin; our disagreement lies in what is conceivable versus what is impossible, rather than in what truly exists or does not exist. He points out that the scriptural evidence commonly used against him does not address the core issue of whether it is feasible for a person to live without sin. He cites the following passages: "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?

Wisdom thus empowers the discerning individual and exceeds the authority of all the city's leaders. Although a person may be righteous, while residing in this mortal body, he is vulnerable to weaknesses and sins, necessitating considerable support. The ten leaders of the city symbolize angels who have attained perfection and provide assistance to humanity. However, when considering all the supporting powers, the greatest among them is the support of wisdom, embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. After the angels proclaimed, “We have healed Babylon, and have not healed it: let us leave it, and let us depart every one into his own land” (Jeremiah 51:9), the very Teacher of physicians descended.

Wisdom frequently exhibits justice and mercy towards those who neglect their responsibilities. Indeed, everyone experiences moments of failure.

If the prophet acknowledges, "Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5), it follows that there cannot be anyone born into the world free from guilt. This is why the same prophet asserts: "none of them that live shall be justified before Thee" (Psalm 142:2). Furthermore, Solomon advises: "take heed not to every word that is spoken, lest thou hear thy servant when he speaks evil against thee" (Ecclesiastes 7:21).

The Lord Himself assures us of a promise—that our prayers will be answered—when He states: Therefore if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give spiritual benefits to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11). Remarkably, even the disciples, who might be considered good by human standards, are referred to as evil, because ultimately, no one is completely free from sin in this life. This is supported by the words of Solomon, who says, There is no man righteous on earth who does good and does not sin.

Our inherent desire seeks goodness and truth. Can one find complete fulfillment of this desire within oneself? The wise and knowledgeable Solomon responds negatively: ‘There is no man righteous in the earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not’ (Ecclesiastes 7:21).

The wise individual ought to focus on the ultimate purpose of existence, recognizing that it is essential to remember the transient and trivial nature of worldly pleasures instead of fabricating false joys through them. From the triviality of all earthly matters, the teacher admonishes everyone to be cautious of discontent and impatience. At the outset of an endeavor, one should evaluate it carefully and refrain from opposing it with arrogance, as it often concludes more favorably than it began; thus, it is wise to exercise patience while awaiting its result. Complaining is the act of those who are unhinged and who resist God's authority. Wisdom surpasses material wealth, as it grants life to an individual.