3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterwards they join the dead.
4 Anyone who is among the living has hope – even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!
5 For the living know that they will die,but the dead know nothing;they have no further reward,and even their name is forgotten.
6 Their love, their hateand their jealousy have long since vanished;never again will they have a partin anything that happens under the sun.
7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.
8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.
9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun – all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labour under the sun.