1
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There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: |
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2
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God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction. |
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3
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A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. |
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4
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For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity. |
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5
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The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man, |
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6
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even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place? |
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7
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All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. |
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8
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What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others? |
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9
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Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
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10
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Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. |
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11
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For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone? |
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12
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For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun? |
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