קהלת, פרק ד׳, פסוק ב׳

Observing the harsh realities of human existence—its deep injustices, ongoing suffering, and relentless spiritual battles—often leads to a striking conclusion. There are times when those who have already completed their journey on earth seem far better off than those still wrestling with the daily challenges of life. The primary approach among commentators views this preference through the lens of relief from earthly pain. Those who have passed away are considered fortunate because they are finally free from worldly troubles. They are no longer aware of, nor do they experience, the cruelty and oppression that people inflict upon one another. In contrast, the living remain constantly surrounded by a reality of injustice, sometimes making the escape of death seem preferable to a life filled with suffering [מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following this line of thought, some suggest that passing away earlier can actually be a blessing, as it shields and distances a person from the growing corruption of the current generation [תעלומות חכמה].

Beyond the physical relief from hardship, many commentators view this preference from a spiritual perspective. Those who have died are praised because they successfully completed their lives in a state of purity. The evil inclination no longer has any hold over them, nor can it threaten to pull them away from God. Their status as righteous individuals is permanently sealed, unlike the living who are still caught in the middle of an active spiritual struggle [רש״י, צאינה וראינה]. This touches upon a profound discussion regarding whether it is better for a person to have been created at all. Righteous individuals who have passed away and are spared the need to return to this world are considered especially fortunate. They are saved from having to witness the world's flawed leadership—a sight that could dangerously lead a person to question God's ways or fall into sin [אלשיך].

Another perspective looks at the actual superiority the dead hold over the living, a theme reflected throughout biblical history. The spiritual power of those who have passed is often greater than that of the living, as even the greatest leaders relied on the merit of the dead for their prayers to be answered. Moses only received a response from God when he invoked the merit of the Patriarchs, and King Solomon's prayers for the Temple were answered only when he mentioned his father, David [רש״י, תורה תמימה]. Furthermore, the dead sometimes demonstrate greater obedience to God than they did while alive. This is seen in Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, where the remains immediately listened to God's voice and gathered together, despite having refused to listen to Him during their lifetimes. A distinction is also made among the dead themselves; for instance, the death of the generation of the Flood marked the end of their punishment, whereas the people of Sodom and the Egyptians face eternal judgment [תורה תמימה].

Finally, a different conceptual approach offers a unique way to understand how the dead are praised in relation to the living. Rather than simply comparing the two states, one can praise the deceased by actively observing the living they left behind. When a humble person passes away and their good deeds were kept hidden from the public eye, their true greatness can still be recognized. By looking at the family they raised—if their household consists of good people who revere God—it serves as a living testament to the beautiful character of the departed soul who guided them [חומת אנך].