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He might live a thousand years twice over but still not find contentment. And since he must die like everyone else—well, what’s the use?

All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough. So are wise people really better off than fools? Do poor people gain anything by being wise and knowing how to act in front of others?

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even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?(A)

Everyone’s toil is for their mouth,
    yet their appetite is never satisfied.(B)
What advantage have the wise over fools?(C)
What do the poor gain
    by knowing how to conduct themselves before others?

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