6 Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun, q and it weighs heavily on humanity: r 2 God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor s so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, t 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, u if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial, v I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. w 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 he lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?

7 All man’s labor is for his stomach, x y

yet the appetite is never satisfied.

8 What advantage then does the wise man have over the fool? z 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. a This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. b

10 Whatever exists was given its name long ago, c d and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he. e 11 For when there are many words, they increase futility. f What is the advantage for man? 12 For who knows what is good for man in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? g Who can tell man what will happen after him under the sun?