קהלת, פרק ד׳, פסוק ד׳

Human motivation is deeply complex, often rooted in a primal need to compete rather than pure intentions. Even the most impressive achievements and noble deeds frequently stem from social comparison and the fear of falling behind. Commentators offer different perspectives on the nature of the labor and effort people exert in this world. A spiritual perspective views this labor as sins and wrongdoings, which are considered negative efforts in the eyes of God [רש"י, מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה]. Conversely, another approach understands it simply as the routine, physical effort people invest in their daily lives [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alongside this labor is the concept of human skill, which can represent honesty and worthy deeds [מצודת ציון], or a person's natural talents, successes, and worldly achievements [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Regardless of how this labor and skill are defined, the primary approach among commentators is that the underlying motive connecting them is jealousy. People rarely act purely for the sake of heaven or from an authentic inner desire. Instead, when a person witnesses a neighbor's success—whether in their home, clothing, family, wisdom, or reputation—they are filled with envy. This drives them to act, either to boast and elevate themselves above their neighbor or simply to avoid feeling inferior [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. This competitive drive is so pervasive that it even infiltrates the performance of God's commandments and good deeds, tainting them with motives of envy and conflict [רש"י, תעלומות חכמה, צאינה וראינה]. Jealousy thus becomes both the foundation of human effort and its inevitable result, as one person's success only serves to awaken the envy of those around them [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Ultimately, this reality is empty and futile. Even when an action is objectively good and successful, it lacks true substance if it is born out of jealousy [מצודת דוד]. This constant competition leads to a breaking of the human spirit. Because a person driven by envy is not acting from free choice or authentic desire, but is instead forced into action by their jealousy of others, their own inner will is ultimately broken [מצודת דוד].