¹⁵ So I commend the enjoyment of life^(A), because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink^(B) and be glad.^(C) Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

¹⁶ When I applied my mind to know wisdom^(D) and to observe the labor that is done on earth^(E)—people getting no sleep day or night— ¹⁷ then I saw all that God has done.^(F) No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.^(G)

⁷ Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine^(A) with a joyful heart,^(B) for God has already approved what you do. ⁸ Always be clothed in white,^(C) and always anoint your head with oil. ⁹ Enjoy life with your wife,^(D) whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot^(E) in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. ¹⁰ Whatever^(F) your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,^(G) for in the realm of the dead,^(H) where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.^(I)