The Chacham first responds to the Neheneh's philosophy. He begins by saying that x is better than y. A good name is better than good oil, the day of death is better than the day of birth, it's better to go to a house of mourning than to a party because a wise person is heard in a house of mourning, while a fool is heard in a party, anger and yelling is better than laughter, and criticism makes one wiser. He concludes by saying that the end is better than the beginning. But, everything is Hevel because it doesn't last. The Chacham is advising the Neheneh on how to live a fulfilling life. He tells him that one gains more insight by going to a funeral than to a party. At a party, one enjoys himself in the moment, but it all goes away. Contemplating death, the element the Neheneh ignored, makes one realize what's important in life. The reality is that we will all die. The Chacham is beseeching the Neheneh to accept this reality.
Previously, the Neheneh had claimed the world was perfect and G-d was in control. Therefore, the only thing man could do is enjoy. However, the Chacham is refuting him, reminding him the world isn't perfect because there is a concept of death, and the Neheneh should accept this.
I think the Chacham really successfully targets the Neheneh's perspective. We all die; this is the reality. But does that stop us from living our lives? No, that's the purpose of human existence. We are ephemeral, and our purpose is to live meaningful and complete lives in the time we have, and maximize our potential.
The next character the Chacham responds to is the Amal. He tells the Amal that anger makes one foolish; don't focus on the past and how good it was. Wisdom is what enlightens a person; knowledge is power. G-d made the world a certain way-you can't fix what G-d has made broken. The Chacham states, in what is one of the key pesukim of the perek, that death is INEVITABLE. One cannot get angry about it.
The Amal felt that because he eventually would die without attaining perfection, that it would have been better had he not been born. The Chacham responds by saying death is the ultimate imperfection. G-d made the world so people die. Again, it's inevitable and a reality! However, the Amal can't get infuriated about it, or get stuck in it. He needs to accept this and proceed in his life.
The Amal had a lot of potential. He aspired to make the world a better place by ridding it of injustice. However, once he realized that death was imminent and he could not achieve perfection, he deemed it all futile. This is where the Chacham criticized him. Just because man dies, this doesn't mean he can't accomplish what he sets out to do! The Chacham raises an interesting and pivotal point. Death is an impending occurrence. However, we can't get stuck in the idea, but rather accept it and try to achieve our goals. Death shouldn't deter us, but rather we should look at what we can do before we die.
The last character the Chacham responds to is the Yirei Elokim. He tells him to not be too righteous or too evil. There is no person who is so righteous that he never sinned. The Chacham reminds the Yirei Elokim that even he sins. The reality is that everyone sins.
However, next there is a change in speaker. The Yirei Elokim begins to refute the Chacham. Plot twist! First, a little background information about the heated debate that will commence. Shlomo also wrote Mishlei, which states that wisdom exists in two forms: 1) Wisdom is derived from the Torah. This is compared to a good woman. 2) Wisdom that is based on human understanding, such as morals, ethics, and values, is like an ensnaring woman who traps man. The Yirei Elokim tried the methodology of the Chacham. However, he found that it's like an ensnaring, evil woman who would lead him to sin. Therefore, the only path that is right stems from G-d. The Yirei Elokim disagrees with the methodology used by the Chacham. He thinks the Chacham examined the world using his own intellect, value system, and moral sense instead of relying on G-d's wisdom. The Yirei Elokim does not see eye to eye with the Chacham's approach.
Well, I promised you a debate. The next pesukim that ensue are a conflict between the Yirei Elokim and the Chacham. The Chacham begins by responding to the Yirei Elokim with a rhetorical question. Who is like the Chacham? Who knows the REALITY of the world like the Chacham? The Yirei Elokim then fires back, saying he does. He listens to G-d's commandments; his source of wisdom is Hashem! G-d is the ultimate ruler. No one can tell Him what to do. When He determines it's time for death, no one can stop him. Judgement will also be meted out. The bad will receive bad and the good will receive good. However, there is a flaw in the Yirei Elokim's words. He contradicts his belief that G-d and man have a partnership. Uh oh.
The Chacham is the ultimate realist. He reminds us that death will come one day, but we can't let it hinder our goals and trying to accomplish them. The previous characters are so concerned with ignoring death or trying to conquer it, that they don't realize the enormous opportunity we have. Death gives us the window to try to accomplish more in our lifetime. G-d put us on this world for a reason. We need to fulfill this reason. Yes, death will come, but we should not look at it as an impediment, but a motivator to achieve more.
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