1. I have drawn all these things through my heart, so that I might carefully understand. There are just men as well as wise men, and their works are in the hand of God. And yet a man does not know so much as whether he is worthy of love or of hatred.
2. But all things in the future remain uncertain, because all things happen equally to the just and to the impious, to the good and to the bad, to the pure and to the impure, to those who offer sacrifices and to those who despise sacrifices. As the good are, so also are sinners. As those who commit perjury are, so also are those who swear to the truth.
3. This is a very great burden among all things that are done under the sun: that the same things happen to everyone. And when the hearts of the sons of men are filled with malice and contempt in their lives, afterwards they shall be dragged down to hell.
4. There is no one who lives forever, or who even has confidence in this regard. A living dog is better than a dead lion.
5. For the living know that they themselves will die, yet truly the dead know nothing anymore, nor do they have any recompense. For the memory of them is forgotten.
6. Likewise, love and hatred and envy have all perished together, nor have they any place in this age and in the work which is done under the sun.
7. So then, go and eat your bread with rejoicing, and drink your wine with gladness. For your works are pleasing to God.
8. Let your garments be white at all times, and let not oil be absent from your head.