Ecclesiastes 6

6Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun, ^qand it weighs heavily on humanity: ^r2God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor ^sso that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, ^tbut God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy. ³A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives, ^uif he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial, ^vI say that a stillborn child is better off than he. ^w4For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness. ⁵Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he. ⁶And if he lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?

⁷All man’s labor is for his stomach, ^xy

yet the appetite is never satisfied.

⁸What advantage then does the wise man have over the fool? ^zWhat advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others? ⁹Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. ^aThis too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. ^b

¹⁰Whatever exists was given its name long ago, ^cdand it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he. ^e11For when there are many words, they increase futility. ^fWhat is the advantage for man? ¹²For who knows what is good for man in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? ^gWho can tell man what will happen after him under the sun?