1. FOR ALL this I took to heart, exploring and examining it all, how the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) and the wise and their works are in the hands of God. Whether it is to be love or hatred no man knows; all that is before them.
2. All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked, to the good and to the clean and to the unclean; to him who sacrifices and to him who does not sacrifice. As is the good man, so is the sinner; and he who swears is as he who fears and shuns an oath.
3. This evil is in all that is done under the sun: one fate comes to all. Also the hearts of men are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
4. [There is no exemption] but he who is joined to all the living has hope–for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
5. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; and they have no more reward [here], for the memory of them is forgotten.
6. Their love and their hatred and their envy have already perished; neither have they any more a share in anything that is done under the sun.
7. Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart [if you are righteous, wise, and in the hands of God], for God has already accepted your works.
8. Let your garments be always white [with purity], and let your head not lack [the] oil [of gladness].