So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile -- like chasing the wind.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live,

Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.

I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward.

For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.

Even if a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years -- even if he lives a long, long time, but cannot enjoy his prosperity -- even if he were to live forever -- I would say, "A stillborn child is better off than he is!"

if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die!

For no one knows what is best for a person during his life -- during the few days of his fleeting life -- for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.

For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

During the days of my fleeting life I have seen both of these things: Sometimes a righteous person dies prematurely in spite of his righteousness, and sometimes a wicked person lives long in spite of his evil deeds.

Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time, yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people -- for they stand in fear before him.

So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life. So joy will accompany him in his toil during the days of his life which God gives him on earth.

But whoever is among the living has hope; a live dog is better than a dead lion.

Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.

Feasts are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.

Banish emotional stress from your mind. and put away pain from your body; for youth and the prime of life are fleeting.

and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life's breath returns to God who gave it.