² It is better to go to a house of mourning
    than to go to a house of feasting,
for death^(A) is the destiny^(B) of everyone;
    the living should take this to heart.
³ Frustration is better than laughter,^(C)
    because a sad face is good for the heart.
⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
    but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.^(D)
5 It is better to heed the rebuke^(E) of a wise person
    than to listen to the song of fools.
⁶ Like the crackling of thorns^(F) under the pot,
    so is the laughter^(G) of fools.
    This too is meaningless.

³ You put off the day of disaster
    and bring near a reign of terror.^(A)
4 You lie on beds adorned with ivory
    and lounge on your couches.^(B)
You dine on choice lambs
    and fattened calves.^(C)
5 You strum away on your harps^(D) like David
    and improvise on musical instruments.^(E)
6 You drink wine^(F) by the bowlful
    and use the finest lotions,
    but you do not grieve^(G) over the ruin of Joseph.^(H)