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.
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.
For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.
even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
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?
Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Whatever exists was named long ago, and it is known what man is; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.