קהלת, פרק ד׳, פסוק ז׳

The endless human chase after material wealth often blinds people to their true purpose. After reflecting on the fate of the oppressed and the general foolishness present in society, attention turns to a new kind of emptiness found in physical, earthly pursuits. This shift in focus represents either a renewed look at the daily events of the world [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ] or a pivot from one type of fool to a completely opposite kind [אבן עזרא].

Within the earthly reality of this world [רש״י], complete devotion to material labor is ultimately empty [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Commentators explore the exact nature of this emptiness. One approach views it as the very root of evil and pointlessness, embodied by a lonely individual who toils endlessly without any real goal [תעלומות חכמה]. Taking a more allegorical approach, this emptiness is compared to a net cast by the Angel of Death over all life. The solitary worker deprives his soul of true good and neglects his ultimate future, completely blind to the fact that his end is already waiting for him [תורה תמימה].

In contrast to these darker views, another perspective offers a deeply spiritual and encouraging message, responding to the despairing thought that it might be better for a person never to have been born. In this light, the concept of emptiness does not mean meaninglessness, but rather something as light and effortless as a breath. It suggests that it is actually very simple for a person to master their physical desires and fulfill the will of God. When an individual reflects and understands that God has prepared an infinite abundance of spiritual reward, they are prompted to ask themselves who they are truly working for in this world and why they would withhold eternal good from their own soul. This profound realization easily motivates a person to abandon the chase for material things and eagerly pursue the will of God [אלשיך].