The Futility of Life
1 There is a tragedy which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men: 2 a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to enjoy it, but a stranger enjoys it. This is futility, and it is a grievous tragedy.
3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, yet regardless of how long he lives, he cannot find satisfaction in the good things in life and does not even have a proper burial, I say, that a stillborn child is better than he, 4 for he comes in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is covered with darkness. 5 Though the stillborn child has not seen the sun nor known of it, yet he has more peace than the other. 6 Yes, though he live a thousand years twice over, and yet fails to enjoy good things, does everyone not go to one place?
7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet his appetite is never satisfied. 8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living? 9 Better to enjoy what the eyes can see than to hope in wandering desires. This also is futility and torment to the spirit.
10 Whatever has taken place, it was named long ago, and the destiny of man is foreknown; yet he cannot contend with one who is mightier than he. 11 As words increase, meaning decreases. What does that profit a man? 12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his futile life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?