Thus I hatedallthe fruitof my laborfor whichI had laboredunderthe sun,for I must leaveit to the manwhowill comeafterme.
From menwith Your hand,O LORD,From menof the world,whose portionis in [this] life,And whose bellyYou fillwith Your treasure;They are satisfiedwith children,And leavetheir abundanceto their babes.
"Surelyeverymanwalksabout as a phantom;Surelythey makean uproarfor nothing;He amasses[riches] and does not knowwhowill gatherthem.
For he sees[that even] wisemendie;The stupidand the senselessalikeperishAnd leavetheir wealthto others.
And I setmy mindto seekand exploreby wisdomconcerningallthat has been doneunderheaven.[It] is a grievoustask[which] Godhas givento the sonsof mento be afflictedwith.
Whatadvantagedoes manhave in allhis workWhichhe doesunderthe sun?
Thus I consideredallmy activitieswhichmy handshad doneand the laborwhichI had exerted,and beholdallwas vanityand strivingafter windand therewas noprofitunderthe sun.
Whenthereis a manwhohas laboredwith wisdom,knowledgeand skill,then he giveshis legacyto onewhohas not laboredwith them. Thistoois vanityand a greatevil.
For to a personwhois goodin His sightHe has givenwisdomand knowledgeand joy,while to the sinnerHe has giventhe taskof gatheringand collectingso that he may giveto onewhois goodin God'ssight.Thistoois vanityand strivingafter wind.
I have seenthat nothingis betterthanthat manshould be happyin his activities,for that is his lot.For whowill bringhim to seewhatwill occurafterhim?
But better[off] thanbothof them is the one whohas neverexisted,whohas neverseenthe evilactivitythat is doneunderthe sun.
Hereis whatI have seento be goodand fitting:to eat,to drinkand enjoyoneself in allone's laborin whichhe toilsunderthe sun[during] the fewyearsof his lifewhichGodhas givenhim; for thisis his reward.
Enjoylifewith the womanwhomyou loveallthe daysof your fleetinglifewhichHe has givento you underthe sun; for thisis your rewardin lifeand in your toilin whichyou have laboredunderthe sun.
"But Godsaidto him, 'You fool!This[very] nightyour soulis requiredof you; and [now] whowill own whatyou have prepared?'
Accordingto the graceof Godwhich was givento me, likea wisemaster builderI laida foundation,and anotheris buildingon it. But each manmust be carefulhowhe buildson it.
