קהלת, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ח

Facing the absolute finality of human life often triggers a profound sense of frustration and a sudden distaste for the endless pursuit of material wealth. People spend decades working tirelessly to gather possessions, only to face the harsh reality that they cannot take a single thing with them when they die. Everything must be left behind for someone else.

The physical labor and constant action that define a person's youth and years of strength pass by rapidly. Looking back, these exhausting efforts to build wealth often appear entirely empty and devoid of true meaning [אבן עזרא]. This stark realization breeds a deep sense of disgust and impatience toward the very act of chasing material goods [מצודת דוד, תעלומות חכמה].

The core of this intense frustration lies in the unavoidable truth that the rewards of a lifetime of hard work must eventually be handed over to another person [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Passing on this wealth is accompanied by deep anxiety. A person has no control over the character of the one who will inherit their life's work, leaving them to wonder whether their successor will be righteous or wicked [צאינה וראינה].

Ultimately, this lack of control exposes the fundamental flaw in living a purely physical life focused solely on the present world. When a person's entire existence revolves around gathering and consuming wealth, they become deeply isolated. This relentless focus prevents them from forming any genuine, satisfying connection with those who will follow in their footsteps and with the generations to come.