1There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: 2 God gives some riches, wealth, and honor, so that they lack nothing of all that they desire, but then God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them; instead, a stranger enjoys consuming it; this is vanity, and it is a grievous evil. 3A man may have a hundred children, and live many years; yet, no matter how long he lives, he cannot enjoy his prosperity, nor does he receive a proper burial. I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4For a stillborn comes without meaning, and departs into darkness, and his name is shrouded in that darkness. 5Though he has not seen the sun, nor known anything; still he has more rest than others, 6Even if he lives a thousand years twice over, still he has seen no good. Do we not all go to the same place?

7All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is never satisfied. 8For what advantage has the wise over the fool? What does the poor gain by knowing how to conduct himself among others? 9Better to enjoy what the eyes see than the roving of the appetite; this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

10Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with Him that is mightier than he. 11The more words, the less the meaning, and how does that benefit anyone? 12For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? For who can tell a man what shall be after his brief life under the sun?