Study Desk

Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun,^(a) and it weighs heavily on humanity:^[a]

God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor^(b) so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself,^(c) but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy.

A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives,^[b] if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial,^(d) I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.^(e)

For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness.

Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he.

And if he lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?

All man's labor is for his stomach,^[c](f) yet the appetite is never satisfied.

What advantage then does the wise man have over the fool?^(g) What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others?

Better what the eyes see than wandering desire.^(h) This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.⁽ⁱ⁾

Whatever exists was given its name long ago,^[d](j) and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he.^(k)

For when there are many words, they increase futility.^(l) What is the advantage for man?

For who knows what is good for man in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow?^(m) Who can tell man what will happen after him under the sun?