So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work, because that is their reward; for who can show them what the future holds?

I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live,

For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

Just as there is futility in many dreams, so also in many words. Therefore, fear God!

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.

Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.

So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile – like chasing the wind.

For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.

But whoever is among the living has hope; a live dog is better than a dead lion.

For the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything; they have no further reward – and even the memory of them disappears.

So, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all, but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many – all that is about to come is obscure.

For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him.

Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness,

Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool; likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.

For with great wisdom comes great frustration; whoever increases his knowledge merely increases his heartache.

What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth?

Just as dreams come when there are many cares, so the rash vow of a fool occurs when there are many words.

So what advantage does a wise man have over a fool? And what advantage does a pauper gain by knowing how to survive?

The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him?