11. When a sentence is not executed at once against a crime,the human heart is encouraged to do evil.
12. Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time,yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people – for they stand in fear before him.
13. But it will not go well with the wicked,nor will they prolong their days like a shadow,because they do not stand in fear before God.
14. Here is another enigma that occurs on earth:Sometimes there are righteous people who get what the wicked deserve,and sometimes there are wicked people who get what the righteous deserve.I said, “This also is an enigma.”
15. So I recommend the enjoyment of life,for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life.So joy will accompany him in his toilduring the days of his life which God gives him on earth.
16. When I tried to gain wisdomand to observe the activity on earth – even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –