[1] Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun, and it weighs heavily on humanity: [2] God gives a person riches, wealth, and honor so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy. [3] A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives, if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. [4] For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness. [5] Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he. [6] And if a person lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place? [7] All of a person's labor is for his stomach, yet the appetite is never satisfied. [8] What advantage then does the wise person have over the fool? What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others? [9] Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. [10] Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he. [11] For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for mankind? [12] For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?
