קהלת, פרק ח׳, פסוק י״ג

A life lived without reverence for God is ultimately destined for emptiness, regardless of any temporary success. The final fate of an evildoer is devoid of true good, and their existence is fleeting, leaving no lasting mark on the world. Commentators differ on exactly when and how this downfall occurs. One approach places the consequences firmly in the present reality, explaining that the wicked will simply not enjoy a long life, meeting a swift end [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, another perspective shifts the ultimate justice to the World to Come—a realm defined as entirely good and everlasting. According to this view, the wicked are denied eternal life. Even if they performed some good deeds during their lifetime, they receive their reward entirely in the present world. This depletes their merits completely, leaving them with absolutely nothing in the eternal reality of truth [מצודת דוד, תעלומות חכמה].

The fleeting nature of such an existence is compared to a shadow. Just as a shadow never stays in one place but moves and vanishes quickly as the sun shifts across the sky, so too is the life of the wicked [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, this comparison highlights that any success or pleasure the wicked experience in life is merely an illusion lacking any true substance, just like a shadow [תעלומות חכמה].

The root cause of this empty fate is specifically identified as a lack of fear of God. Out of a wide range of possible sins, this specific absence of reverence is the precise reason why true good is withheld [אבן עזרא, רש״י]. Drawing from early traditions, another interpretation narrows the focus to a highly specific and severe case: a student of Torah who fails to stand in honor of his teacher. Since God is typically patient with ordinary sinners, the lack of fear described here represents a blatant disregard for the honor of the Torah and those who teach it. In this context, the withheld good refers to the Torah itself. The punishment for such disrespect extends beyond a shortened life; the ultimate consequence is that the Torah they learned will be entirely forgotten from their mind [תורה תמימה].