But there is hope for whoever is joined[a] with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything. There is no longer a reward for them because the memory of them is forgotten.(A) Their love, their hate, and their envy have already disappeared, and there is no longer a portion for them in all that is done under the sun.

Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works.(B) Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head.(C) Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting[b] life,(D) which has been given to you under the sun, all your fleeting days. For that is your portion in life and in your struggle(E) under the sun. 10 Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength,(F) because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom(G) in Sheol where you are going.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 9:4 Alt Hb tradition reads chosen
  2. Ecclesiastes 9:9 Or futile

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