This section is connected to the following one: the first describes the double experiment that Qohelet intentionally conducts, and the next one explains his evaluation. It is presented as if it were a testament of Solomon, a symbol of wisdom and grandeur (1 Kgs 5:9-14), who at the end of his life reaps the results of his efforts.
First experiment: the experience of everything done under the sun (1:12-18). It differentiates between human activities (1:13-15) and those of wisdom (1:16-18), though their outcomes are the same: “pure illusion” and “trying to catch the wind.” What does this mean for Qohelet? First, that God has given humans the difficult task of various labors—the word used is “inyan,” which appears only in this book. Second, that all of these are, in essence, “chasing the wind.” Third, the wisdom Kohelet has gained through this exploration is also futile, again “chasing the wind.” Verses 15 and 18 are popular proverbs from that time that express this same idea—a similar reflection is found in the famous “Epic of Gilgamesh,” an ancient text from a neighboring culture of Israel.
Second experiment: enjoyment and joy (2:1-10). The works of a prominent Jerusalem lord in agriculture, commerce, and courtly life are described (Gn 9:20; 1 Kgs 10:12; 11:1-3; 21:1; Is 5:1-3). The author shows the end of a wealthy life with irony: “that was the reward—in Hebrew, ‘jélek’ indicates transience—for my labors.” Similar signs of this pessimism are also seen in ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian writings.
Work or an easy life, for the wise Qohelet, is all the same. What one reaps is toil. Believing readers do not need to end their reflection here. Qohelet offers an intriguing clue: we must put our heart into what, or rather, into Who makes the burden bearable! (Mt 11:29f).