¹ There is another very evil thing which I saw under the sun: a man has riches, property, honor, and lacks nothing he could desire, ² yet God does not permit him to benefit from them; a stranger has the enjoyment. That is nonsense and a grievous hurt.

³ What if a man had a hundred sons and lived many years but without tasting happiness and even without a tomb! More fortunate, I would say, the one untimely-born. ⁴ For he came in vain and goes to darkness and in darkness will his name be hidden. ⁵ He has not seen the sun and has not known it. Finally he has had more rest than that man. ⁶ Even if he should live a thousand years twice over, but without tasting happiness; do not both go to the same place?

⁷ Man works to fill his stomach, yet he himself is not satisfied.

⁸ Has the wise man more than the fool? What is the benefit of wisdom to one overwhelmed by poverty?

⁹ What the eye sees seems better than what the heart desires. That, too, is senseless and chasing wind.

¹⁰ Everything has already been evaluated. One knows what man is and that he cannot dispute with the one stronger than himself.

¹¹ Many words, much emptiness; what does it profit? ¹² Who knows what is the good way of life for man, during the days of his meaningless life which pass like a shadow? Who will let him know what will happen after he has gone?