I have never thought that having lots of money could be considered a "tragedy." In a sense this is not exactly what Solomon is saying, but underneath his rant there is an element of this truth. He claims it is a tragedy to have so much wealth and then not to be able to enjoy it - this I agree with. One would think that 'money can buy happiness' if you treat your wealth with gratitude and respect. Sadly, many people don't.
"There is another serious tragedy I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily on humanity. God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then he doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things. They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth! This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy." - Ecclesiastes 6:1-2
I wonder if this is Solomon's attempt at teaching an Economics 101 class? If he was trying to pass on his wisdom to the next generation he could open with these words:
"What makes you happy? What would leave you feeling content in life? Are you ever able to enjoy all you have been blessed with?"
“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.” -
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