קהלת, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ג

The ability to enjoy the fruits of hard work and maintain a balanced life is never guaranteed. It relies entirely on divine grace and inner direction. On a basic level, a normal, reasonable life simply involves eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in daily efforts [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, finding true good in life carries a deeper spiritual and moral meaning. This good is often understood as the pursuit of studying the Torah and fulfilling the Commandments [רש״י]. Expanding on this idea, it also describes a person who uses their hard-earned wealth to perform acts of charity and kindness. This happens when an individual naturally leans toward generosity, or when God places the wisdom in their heart to make such noble choices [מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה].

The capacity to experience joy and do good is ultimately a gift from God [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He actively engraves this positive trait into human nature [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, the experience of true joy is tied to the correct timing in a person's life, a schedule determined by His gift from the very beginning of creation [אבן עזרא].

Combining material success with spiritual growth presents a complex challenge. A person blessed with physical abundance can easily become arrogant and reject their values. Maintaining material wealth without corrupting one's character is incredibly difficult and is only possible with God's help, which is why this balance is considered a divine gift. Consequently, a person should seek joy primarily in performing the Commandments and doing good, rather than focusing on worldly pleasures. In fact, when an individual has less material wealth, it is often easier for them to find pure joy in fulfilling the Commandments, free from the distractions and obstacles that accompany great riches [תעלומות חכמה].