Ecclesiastes 9:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This represents the greatest sorrow of all that exists under the heavens, that the final outcome befalls everyone. Yet, the hearts of mankind are overwhelmed with wickedness, and there is folly in their hearts throughout their lives, continuing even after death. Who among us can speak truly to all the living? In line with his usual style, Simmachus rendered it more clearly, saying, ‘but also the hearts of humanity shall be filled with malice and shamelessness according to their hearts during their lives. Ultimately, they shall depart into the grave.

I once believed that all individuals should be deemed deserving of the same fate. If someone is wise and has genuinely committed themselves to acts of righteousness while shunning wrongdoing, and has wisely steered clear of hostility towards anyone, thereby pleasing God, it appeared to me that their efforts might be futile. It seemed to me that the just and the unjust, the virtuous and the wicked, the righteous and the unrighteous, the pure and the impure all faced the same end, whether by offering a propitiatory sacrifice to God or choosing not to offer anything at all.

It is a troubling reality that both the righteous and the unrighteous meet the same end in this world; such a situation can embolden the latter. Ultimately, death claims both, signaling a conclusion for all, thus affirming the principle concerning the rightful enjoyment of life and material blessings. Rejoice in your life and possessions while you have them, and do not be anxious, for if something were to occur, it will indeed come to pass, and if not, you cannot predict it, nor do you know how long your days will be.