Dual Panel1To all this I applied my mind, and I understood -- that the righteous and the wise and whatever they do are under God's control; but whether they will earn love or hatred they have no way of knowing. Everything that confronts them, everything is futile,
2since one and the same fate comes to all, just and unjust alike, good and bad, ritually clean and unclean, to the one who offers sacrifice and to the one who does not. The good and the sinner fare alike, he who can take an oath and he who dares not.
3This is what is wrong in all that is done here under the sun: that one and the same fate befalls everyone. The minds of mortals are full of evil; there is madness in their minds throughout their lives, and afterwards they go down to join the dead.
4But for anyone who is counted among the living there is still hope: remember, a live dog is better than a dead lion.
5True, the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing. There is no more reward for them; all memory of them is forgotten.
6For them love, hate, rivalry, all are now over. Never again will they have any part in what is done here under the sun.
7Go, then, eat your food and enjoy it, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already accepted what you have done.
8Always be dressed in white, and never fail to anoint your head.
9Enjoy life with a woman you love all the days of your allotted span here under the sun, futile as they are; for that is your lot while you live and labour here under the sun.
10Whatever task lies to your hand, do it with might; because in Sheol, for which you are bound, there is neither doing nor thinking, neither understanding nor wisdom.
11One more thing I have observed here under the sun: swiftness does not win the race nor strength the battle. Food does not belong to the wise, nor wealth to the intelligent, nor success to the skilful; time and chance govern all.
12Moreover, no one knows when his hour will come; like fish caught in the destroying net, like a bird taken in a snare, so the people are trapped when misfortune comes suddenly on them.
13This too is an example of wisdom as I have observed it here under the sun, and I find it of great significance.
14There was once a small town with few inhabitants, which a great king came to attack; he surrounded it and constructed huge siege-works against it.
15There was in it a poor wise man, and he saved the town by his wisdom. But no one remembered that poor man.
16I thought, “Surely wisdom is better than strength”; but a poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words go unheeded.
17A wise man speaking quietly is more to be heeded than a commander shouting orders among fools.
18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one mistake can undo many things done well.