Ecclesiastes 5:18-6:12

New International Version

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) 20} They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.^(G)

6 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: ² God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them,^(H) and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.^(I)

³ A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn^(J) child is better off than he.^{(K) 4} It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. ⁵ Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man— ⁶ even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?^(L)

¹² For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days^(Q) they pass through like a shadow?^(R) Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?