קהלת, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ב

Human existence is filled with unpredictable shifts, changing times, and a deep uncertainty regarding the future, God's plans, and the inevitable day of death. Given this reality, the endless pursuit of wealth proves pointless, as any gathered riches may simply end up in the hands of others. Instead, the most sensible approach is to focus on the present moment and engage in positive actions.

A true understanding of how the world works reveals that the greatest happiness for people is to rejoice in what they already have. Rather than chasing after the unattainable, true contentment is found in enjoying one's current lot and existing resources [מצודת דוד, רש״י, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Alongside this inner joy, there is an active call to do good throughout one's life. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to performing acts of kindness, giving charity, and doing what is right in the eyes of the Creator while a person is still alive. At the same time, this idea also carries a practical dimension; it is an instruction to live a comfortable and pleasant life in this world, enjoying the resources one has already managed to gather [אבן עזרא].

On a deeper level, joy and the act of doing good are completely intertwined. So much of human life is dictated by predetermined seasons and events that remain entirely out of human control. However, the choice to do good is the one true space where free will actually operates. Real joy does not come from the inevitable circumstances forced upon a person, but rather from these freely chosen actions that create spiritual reward for the World to Come. Therefore, a person should find their deepest happiness in the very act of choosing to do good [תעלומות חכמה, אבן עזרא].