Qohelet o la gioia come fatica e dono di Dio a chi lo teme

The author assumes that the Book of Qohelet comprises, after the superscription 1:1, two main parallel sections - 1:12-7:14 // 7:15-11:6 - with 11:7-12:7 as its central section and 1:2-11 (prologue) // 12:8-14 (epilogue) as its frame. First, the ideal world of the Sage in Qoh 1-3 is outlined; then, the seven proclamations of (with indicative verb forms) and invitations to (with volitive verb forms) joy in the Book are analyzed in their respective contexts. They are as follows: 2:24-26, 3:12-13 + 22, 5:17-19, 7:13-14, 8:15, 9:7-10, and 11:7-12:7. Human work and experience in the world is ambivalent; it always gives double answers - negative and positive from human perspective - both coming from the only God. The fear of God allows human beings to live according Godʼs dispensation, enjoying when God sends goods in life and reflecting on His message when He sends pain. Joy is at the same time “part” of man, i.e., fruit of his effort, and a gift from God.