Main news for 26 November 2024

The advice contained in Ecclesiastes' reflections, at first seeming gathered chaotically and unsystematically, unexpectedly proves united by the motif of consequences and responsibility even for the distant results of actions. Still, different people can draw different conclusions from the same fact; before the same reality, one can behave in different ways. Therefore the advice given to the young man, walk in the ways of your heart, can be understood both as a warning about the negative consequences of possible behavior and as recognition of the young man's right to freedom of action. Prohibitions do not always work; youth usually does not take prohibitions or the useful advice of elders into account, especially since advice does not always stand on care, but often hides a desire to suppress and rule. But there is no lust for power in Ecclesiastes' words; he looks at things soberly and tries to pass sobriety on to others.

Even recognition of the fact that the consequences of our actions cannot always be predicted in advance must not become a pretext for shirking labor. No, everyday labor must be continued precisely for this reason. The ancient principle "do what must be done, and let come what may" takes on a special sound, for the deeds spoken of here are done before the eyes of God.