I have observed the burden that God has given to people to keep them occupied.

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

Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.

For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!

I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.

For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth – only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile – like chasing the wind!

When I tried to gain wisdom and to observe the activity on earth – even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –

A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is futile and a burdensome task!