1 For all this I laid on my heart and to ascertain all this: that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works are in the hand of God. Whether love or hatred, no one knows—everything awaits them.
2 Everyone shares the same destiny: for the righteous and the wicked; for the good, the ritually clean and the defiled; for one who sacrifices and one who does not sacrifice; as the good person so the sinner; as the one who swears like the one who fears an oath.
3 This is a misery in everything done under the sun: that the same destiny awaits everyone. Moreover, the hearts of all humans are full of evil, and folly is in their hearts during their lives—after that they die.
4 Everyone who is among the living has hope—even a living 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, even the memory of them is forgotten.
6 Their love, their hatred, and their zeal have already perished; never again will they have a share in anything that is done under the sun.