Welcome back to another episode of NachDaily, with the 4th perek

of Koheles.

Shlomo Hamelech continues to ponder the meaning of life. He shares observations that he’s made from experience and wisdom. He also gives advice, beginning in the middle of the perek, about what he considers a better way to have a gentler and softer daily experience.

The perek opens with Shlomo observing all the human suffering and oppression that mankind experiences. People are powerless against their oppressors, and find no comfort and relief from the pain and suffering which haunts them. Therefore, Shlomo boldly states, in verses 2 and 3, that he considers the dead more fortunate than the living because they are no longer suffering. Not only that, but it would better not to have been born at all, not to see the suffering of this world.

Rav Nosson of Breslov used to say “Olam Habah, that I don’t know about. No eye has ever seen it. But Gehenim, Hell, that I surely know. That’s this world!” We all know the suffering of our own hearts. There’s no one on earth who doesn’t suffer at some points in life. As this is a natural consequence of this world, perhaps it would be best to be dead or not born at all.

The Ramad Walli explains that Shlomo meant that it’s better to be a dead rasha, evil person, than a live tzaddik. The rasha is getting his tikkun in the next world, while who knows if the tzaddikim who are still alive will maintain their righteousness and pass all their tests? As life is full of suffering, no one knows the future.

It certainly is worth adding that a person who wants to come close to God, to a be a kosher Yid or tzaddik, will generally experience more suffering than someone who doesn’t, as only people with emuna, faith, are tested in it. Additionally, the rules of the spiritual worlds are such that a person always needs to have a yerida before an aliyah, a descent prior to an ascent. People who are constantly

growing always find themselves embattled, dealing with ups and downs.

In verses 4 through 6, Shlomo explains that people develop their personal skills in life and desire to become successful due to jealousy. The jealousy from seeing another person succeed in whatever area that might be, causes one to work to hone one’s own craft, skills and financial status. Shlomo states that this too is hevel, ridiculous and the source of despair, depression and anxiety as there is no limit to how much someone can work.

In pessukim 9 through 12, he speaks of the pitfalls of being single, which causes isolation and loneliness while touting the virtues of being married, feeling supported by a spouse.

Verse 9 says, “Tovim hashnayim min ha’echad asher yeish lahem sachar tov b’amalam – Two are better off than one, in that they reap a greater return from their toil.” Rashi says that this passuk is referring to marriage. It’s better to be married because you can accomplish more.

In the path of mussar, there are many advantages that being married affords a person which we should not take for granted. Of course marriage takes work, and like everything in life there are ups and downs. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. As Shlomo is reminding us, to try to focus on the benefits of being married, perhaps even with children. That’s something to be happy about and not to be taken for granted.

From pessukim 13 through 17, which end the perek, Shlomo explains that it’s better to be a poor wise youth than an old foolish king. One who is young, poor, and wise can eventually rise. Someone at rock bottom can only go higher, in contrast to a foolish king, who has a lot to lose, if not during his lifetime then afterwards.

From here we learn a lesson in humility. People who feel humbled by Hashem’s kindness and consider everything they have as a gift from God, cannot fall, as they already consider themselves of low status.

Those who consider themselves as kings, arrogant and full of pride, feel as if they have a lot to lose and will be filled with anguish and despair. As Shlomo says, this too is hevel!

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily. Thank you for listening and have a wonderful day.