²⁴ There is ^(A)nothing better for a person than to eat and drink, and show ^[a]himself some good in his trouble. This too I have seen, that it is ^(B)from the hand of God. ²⁵ For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without ^[b]Him? ²⁶ For to a person who is good in His sight, ^(C)He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may ^(D)give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is ^(E)futility and striving after wind.

¹² I know that there is ^(A)nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; ¹³ moreover, that every person who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—this is the ^(B)gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it. And God has so worked, that people will ^[a](C)fear Him. ^15 (D)That which is, is what has already been, and that which will be has already been; and God ^[b]seeks what has passed by.

¹³ The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: ^(A)fear God and ^(B)keep His commandments, because this applies to ^(C)every person. ¹⁴ For ^(D)God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.