³¹ those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.^(A)

¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away,^(A) but whoever does the will of God^(B) lives forever.

⁷ The end of all things is near.^(A) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(B) so that you may pray.

²⁴ For,

¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.^(A)

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life,^(A) and that day will close on you suddenly^(B) like a trap.

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)

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5 Now listen,^(A) you rich people,^(B) weep and wail^(C) because of the misery that is coming on you. ² Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.^{(D) 3} Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.^{(E) 4} Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers^(F) who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries^(G) of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.^{(H) 5} You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves^(I) in the day of slaughter.^[a](J)