So I commendedpleasure,for thereis nothinggoodfor a manunderthe sunexceptto eatand to drinkand to be merry,and thiswill standby him in his toils[throughout] the daysof his lifewhichGodhas givenhim underthe sun.
The LORDwill commandHis lovingkindnessin the daytime;And His songwill be with me in the night,A prayerto the Godof my life.
I saidto myself,"Comenow,I will testyou with pleasure.So enjoyyourself." And behold,it toowas futility.
Allthat my eyesdesiredI did not refusethem. I did not withholdmy heartfrom anypleasure,for my heartwas pleasedbecauseof allmy laborand thiswas my rewardfor allmy labor.
Thereis nothingbetterfor a man[than] to eatand drinkand tellhimselfthat his laboris good.ThisalsoI have seenthat it is from the handof God.
I exploredwith my mind[how] to stimulatemy bodywith winewhile my mindwas guiding[me] wisely,and how to takeholdof folly,untilI could seewhatgoodthere is for the sonsof mento dounderheaventhe fewyearsof their lives.
I have seenthat nothingis betterthanthat manshould be happyin his activities,for that is his lot.For whowill bringhim to seewhatwill occurafterhim?
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.
Instructthosewho are richin thispresentworldnot to be conceitedorto fix their hopeon the uncertaintyof riches,but on God,who richlysuppliesus with all thingsto enjoy.
