Is there anything about which someone can say, “Look at this! It is new!”? It was already done long ago, before our time.

I purchased male and female slaves, and I owned slaves who were born in my house; I also possessed more livestock – both herds and flocks – than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.

Whatever exists now has already been, and whatever will be has already been; for God will seek to do again what has occurred in the past.

Both go to the same place, both come from the dust, and to dust both return.

But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” for it is not wise to ask that.

I thought to myself, “I have become much wiser than any of my predecessors who ruled over Jerusalem; I have acquired much wisdom and knowledge.”

I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort.

There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.

In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.