1 There is another very evil thing which I saw under the sun: a man has riches, property, honor, and lacks nothing he could desire,
2 yet God does not permit him to benefit from them; a stranger has the enjoyment. That is nonsense and a grievous hurt.
3 What if a man had a hundred sons and lived many years but without tasting happiness and even without a tomb! More fortunate, I would say, the one untimely-born.
4 For he came in vain and goes to darkness and in darkness will his name be hidden.
5 He has not seen the sun and has not known it. Finally he has had more rest than that man.
6 Even if he should live a thousand years twice over, but without tasting happiness; do not both go to the same place?
7 Man works to fill his stomach, yet he himself is not satisfied.
8 Has the wise man more than the fool? What is the benefit of wisdom to one overwhelmed by poverty?
9 What the eye sees seems better than what the heart desires. That, too, is senseless and chasing wind.
10 Everything has already been evaluated. One knows what man is and that he cannot dispute with the one stronger than himself.
11 Many words, much emptiness; what does it profit?
12 Who knows what is the good way of life for man, during the days of his meaningless life which pass like a shadow? Who will let him know what will happen after he has gone?