²⁴ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink^(A) and find satisfaction in their own toil.^(B) This too, I see, is from the hand of God,^(C)

²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work,^(A) because that is their lot.^(B) For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?

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.

¹⁷ Command those who are rich^(A) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(B) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(C) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^(D)

¹⁸ This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink^(A) and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor^(B) under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. ¹⁹ Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions,^(C) and the ability to enjoy them,^(D) to accept their lot^(E) and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.^(F)

¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink,^(A) and find satisfaction^(B) in all their toil—this is the gift of God.^(C)

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.

³² If I fought wild beasts^(A) in Ephesus^(B) with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

¹⁸ Instead, you are to eat^(A) them in the presence of the Lord your God at the place the Lord your God will choose^(B)—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites from your towns—and you are to rejoice^(C) before the Lord your God in everything you put your hand to.