3 A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
4 It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
5 Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man –
6 even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
7 Everyone’s toil is for their mouth,yet their appetite is never satisfied.
8 What advantage have the wise over fools?What do the poor gainby knowing how to conduct themselves before others?
9 Better what the eye seesthan the roving of the appetite.This too is meaningless,a chasing after the wind.