“On a day of good fortune, enjoy, and on a day of misfortune, see: God made this as well as that; consequently, man cannot find out anything about it” (Ecclesiastes 7:14). “On a day of good fortune, enjoy” – if a good day befalls you, act upon it immediately.110Thank God with a thanksgiving offering or a thanksgiving banquet. “And on a day of misfortune, see” – see how to repent and be spared from the punishment of Gehenna.
Rabbi Yudan [said] in the name of Rabbi Elazar: Three matters nullify evil decrees: Prayer, charity [tzedaka], and repentance, and the three of them are in one verse; that is what is written: “If My people upon whom My name is called humble themselves, and pray, and seek My presence, and repent their evil ways, then I will hear from the heavens, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
“And pray,” this is prayer; “seek My presence,” this is charity, as it is said: “I with righteousness [betzedek]111The word tzedek, which means righteousness or justice, is from the same root as the word tzedaka, charity. will behold Your presence” (Psalms 17:15); “and repent their evil ways,” this is repentance; “then I will hear from the heavens.” Rabbi Mana said: Fast, as well, as it is written: The Lord will answer you on a day of affliction” (Psalms 20:2).