Ecclesiastes 9:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the earlier discussion, it was mentioned that humans fade from the memory of others after death, devoid of love or animosity, as reflected in the poetic words: “There is no longer any struggle with the vanquished, the dead,” and given that they cannot act in this world, this presents a human illusion of persuading one another to savor the pleasures of temporality. Following the tradition of orators and poets, a personification is presented, urging individuals to heed this advice: if death renders you nothing, and death itself is inconsequential, indulge while you inhabit this fleeting life. Revel in your pleasures, enjoy exquisite clothing, partake in wine, and acknowledge that all of these are gifts from God for your enjoyment. Adorn yourself in white robes, let your head be aromatic with oil, enjoy the company of those you desire, and spend your brief existence in amusement and delight. For without these, you will find no enjoyment; swift to seize what brings pleasure, before it vanishes away. Do not allow idle tales to trouble your heart, as though every action, be it good or ill, shall demand account in the afterlife. For in death, there is no understanding; when life concludes, its essence is lost, as some philosophers suggest.

However, upon deeper contemplation, I realize that events do not occur by mere chance, nor does blind Fortune toy with human affairs, as some would surmise; rather, these unfold by the decree of God. Therefore, let not the swift believe their speed is their own merit; let not the strong boast of their might; let not the wise attribute their wealth to mere intellect; nor let the eloquent suppose that their persuasive speech earns them the love of the crowd. Everything transpires according to God's divine arrangement. Without His guiding hand, their efforts are in vain—unless He builds the house, its builders toil in futility; unless He safeguards the city, its watchmen remain vigilant for naught.

There is not a solitary outcome for humanity, nor is the sequence of life random, as many may presume: when disregarding this truth, they are caught off guard by death and face judgment. Just as fish find themselves trapped in nets and birds are ensnared in hidden traps, so too do men, believing that all is governed by mere chance, tragically encounter the sudden arrival of death and judgement, leading to their eternal anguish.

This serves as a brief overview of previous reflections; however, it is now necessary to clarify them individually, addressing this not as if speaking to another, but directly to oneself. “Go and eat your bread with delight, and drink your wine with a joyful heart; for your deeds have already gained God's favor.” Recognize that all things ultimately culminate in death, with no opportunity for repentance in hell and no turning back to righteousness; thus, while you are in this life, act swiftly, be earnest in your repentance, and strive while time permits. For God joyfully welcomes those who turn from sin.

Additionally, a simple understanding of this passage is valuable, reflecting the notion: “Whether you eat, drink, or do anything else, do it all for the glory of God,” and similarly, “Drink wine wisely. For he who lacks true joy and a sincere heart abuses the created order.” Yet it is more profound to perceive that those whose actions please God will not find true sustenance in the earthly bread and wine of transient delights. Hence, when given the commandment, “If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will grant it,” let us earnestly follow these commandments to access the spiritual nourishment of bread and wine.

Conversely, those who neglect the commandments while boasting of abundance in bread and wine are cautioned by the words of Isaiah: “Do not claim to know it; you neither understand nor perceive it; I have not opened your ears from the very beginning; for I know that by contempt you shall meet with contempt.” Furthermore, the message conveyed by the Seventy Commentators—“Come, eat your bread in joy”—is akin to the invitation of Ecclesiastes, echoed in the Gospel: “Let him that is thirsty come unto me, and let him drink,” as well as in Proverbs: “Come, eat my bread, and drink my wine.”