[1] There is a tragedy that I have seen under the sun. It is a terrible one for mortals. [2] God gives one person riches, wealth, and honor so that he doesn't lack anything he wants. Yet, God doesn't give him the power to enjoy any of them. Instead, a stranger enjoys them. This is pointless and is a painful tragedy. [3] Suppose a rich person wasn't satisfied with good things while he was alive and didn't even get an honorable burial after he died. Suppose he had a hundred children and lived for many years. No matter how long he would have lived, it still would have been better for him to have been born dead. [4] A stillborn baby arrives in a pointless birth and goes out into the darkness. The darkness then hides its name. [5] Though it has never seen the sun or known anything, the baby finds more rest than the rich person. [6] Even if the rich person lives two thousand years without experiencing anything good-don't we all go to the same place? [7] Everything that people work so hard for goes into their mouths, but their appetite is never satisfied. [8] What advantage does a wise person have over a fool? What advantage does a poor person have in knowing how to face life? [9] It is better to look at what is in front of you than to go looking for what you want. Even this is pointless. It's like trying to catch the wind. [10] Whatever has happened in the past already has a name. Mortals are already known for what they are. Mortals cannot argue with the one who is stronger than they. [11] The more words there are, the more pointless they become. What advantage do mortals gain from this? [12] Who knows what may be good for mortals while they are alive, during the brief, pointless days they live? Mortals pass by like a shadow. Who will tell them about their future under the sun?
