The God-Given Task

⁹ What gain have the workers from their toil?^(A)

¹⁶ This also is a grievous ill: just as they came, so shall they go, and what gain do they have from toiling for the wind?^(A)

²⁶ For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

²² What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun?^{(A) 23} For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.^(B)

¹¹ Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.^(A)