⁴ But there is hope for whoever is joined^[a] with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion. ⁵ 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) 6} 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.

⁷ Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works.^{(B) 8} Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head.^{(C) 9} 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.