קהלת, פרק ה׳, פסוק י״ז

A person enters the world with nothing and leaves it in the exact same state. Because of this reality, the endless pursuit of gathering wealth for an unknown future is ultimately pointless. Rather than constantly dreaming of riches, endlessly saving, and risking the sudden loss of property, the proper path is to live fully in the present. One should enjoy the fruits of their labor and find happiness in what already exists.

Commentators present two primary ways to understand this ideal way of living. The first approach focuses on the practical and existential level. Grasping this truth is not merely a logical thought, but a deep understanding rooted in the heart [מצודת דוד]. According to this perspective, there is no value in the constant obsession with accumulating money. A person should simply eat, drink, and find joy in what they possess today, rather than spinning elaborate plans for a future that may never actually happen [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A second approach shifts the focus toward a spiritual and moral way of life. In this view, the concepts of eating, drinking, and experiencing good are understood as engaging in the study of Torah, which is the true source of good [רש״י, צאינה וראינה]. Beyond personal physical enjoyment, seeking good is also a direct call to perform acts of kindness and give charity [מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה]. If a person has gathered excess wealth through their hard work, they should use it to benefit others [תעלומות חכמה].

The foundation for both of these approaches is the understanding that wealth is never a product of random chance. Instead, it is the exact portion that God has allocated to a person from heaven. Because of this, the most appropriate way to live is to be completely satisfied with that God-given portion. A person should enjoy what they have and use it to do good throughout their life, rather than hoarding massive amounts of wealth that will ultimately just be left behind for other people [רש״י, מצודת דוד, תעלומות חכמה].