The Forgotten Labor of the Soul

The scene evokes a mystical, dreamlike world. A grand arch leads to a blooming path of  rich purples, blues, and pinks , symbolizing the beauty of life’s labors and successes. The soft, intricate detailing of the flowers and the  glowing stream reflect the joys of hard work, the fruits of labor that the Preacher once found pleasure in. Yet, the overwhelming light of the  moon above casts an otherworldly glow, subtly hinting at the futility of these efforts. This moon represents time, ever-watchful, eroding even the most beautiful of works and reminding us that  “there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever.”  

The  archway , standing at the entrance of the path, is a symbol of human accomplishment. It represents the many things we build in our lives—our careers, relationships, and achievements. But as we gaze further down the pathway, the brightness fades into darkness, reflecting the inevitable truth: everything that is now celebrated will one day be forgotten. Whether one is wise or foolish, the same fate befalls all, and  “how dieth the wise man? As the fool.” The  glowing pathway twists and turns, suggesting the journey of life, full of hopes and accomplishments, yet leading towards an uncertain and, at times, painful conclusion.  

The  vivid purples and blues of the flowers, which represent the richness of wisdom and experience, give way to  darker hues , signaling the creeping realization of vanity and vexation of spirit. The  shadows on the path symbolize the Preacher’s growing dissatisfaction with life. His wisdom, once a source of pride, now feels hollow, as he considers the future and laments that all his work will be left to another who may not cherish or understand it. This is the heart of the passage:  “Yea, I hated all my labour... because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.”  

This artwork beautifully mirrors the Bible’s meditation on the human condition. The  swirling colors and the  flowing stream in the foreground represent the ceaseless efforts of man under the sun, continuously laboring, building, striving to create something lasting. Yet, like the stream that endlessly flows without ever filling the sea, human efforts are ultimately futile. The Bible reflects on the  uncertainty of legacy and how, despite all our toil, we cannot control who will inherit our works or whether they will treat it wisely or foolishly:  “Who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?”  

The message of  Ecclesiastes 2:16-20 offers both a warning and a somber reflection on human life. In modern times, it reminds us that the constant pursuit of success, wealth, and legacy often leads to disillusionment. As individuals, we spend our lives building careers, gathering possessions, and chasing accomplishments, yet these pursuits often leave us feeling empty, for we recognize the truth:  “all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Even in moments of triumph, there is the lurking question—what does it all mean if, in the end, it is forgotten?  

The  despair of the Preacher in these lines is palpable, and it resonates with anyone who has questioned the meaning of their efforts. The Bible’s wisdom, expressed through this artwork, asks us to consider the deeper purpose of life. While the passage leads us to confront uncomfortable truths, it also points towards an existential freedom. If all our labors are forgotten, then perhaps we should focus not on legacy, but on the joy of the present moment. Life’s beauty, fleeting as it is, deserves to be cherished for its own sake, rather than for what it may leave behind.  

In  "The Forgotten Labor of the Soul," we see the Preacher’s journey—a path of wisdom and toil that eventually leads him to question all he has built. The  light and shadows in this artwork mirror the light and darkness in his soul, as he reflects on the ultimate vanity of human endeavor. But within this meditation lies the possibility of freedom—understanding the temporary nature of life allows us to appreciate the present moment more fully, without the burden of the future.