1I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:
2God gives a man wealth, possessions and honour, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.
3A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
4It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
5Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man—
6even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
7All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
8What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others?
9Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
10Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he.
11The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
12For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?