All of man’s labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach – yet his appetite is never satisfied!

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

and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God.

Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth, and it weighs heavily on people:

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

For the fate of humans and the fate of animals are the same: As one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath. There is no advantage for humans over animals, for both are fleeting.

Surely, no one knows his appointed time! Like fish that are caught in a deadly net, and like birds that are caught in a snare – just like them, all people are ensnared at an unfortunate time that falls upon them suddenly.

I also amassed silver and gold for myself, as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces. I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines!

Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas. For what more can the king’s successor do than what the king has already done?

I also thought to myself, “It is for the sake of people, so God can clearly show them that they are like animals.

Who really knows if the human spirit ascends upward, and the animal’s spirit descends into the earth?

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?

It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart.

This alone have I discovered: God made humankind upright, but they have sought many evil schemes.

When a sentence is not executed at once against a crime, the human heart is encouraged to do evil.

yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future?

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.

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

then I discerned all that God has done: No one really comprehends what happens on earth. Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it. Even if a wise person claimed that he understood, he would not really comprehend it.

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.