I said of partying, “It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!”

I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined to comprehend this” – but it was beyond my grasp.

This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me:

There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.

This is another misfortune: Just as he came, so will he go. What did he gain from toiling for the wind?

To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God.