1. For all this I laid on my heart and to ascertain all this: that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works are in the hand of God. Whether love or hatred, no one knows—everything awaits them.
2. Everyone shares the same destiny: for the righteous and the wicked; for the good, the ritually clean and the defiled; for one who sacrifices and one who does not sacrifice; as the good person so the sinner; as the one who swears like the one who fears an oath.
3. This is a misery in everything done under the sun: that the same destiny awaits everyone. Moreover, the hearts of all humans are full of evil, and folly is in their hearts during their lives—after that they die.
4. Everyone who is among the living has hope—even a living dog is better off than a dead lion.
5. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, even the memory of them is forgotten.
6. Their love, their hatred, and their zeal have already perished; never again will they have a share in anything that is done under the sun.
7. Go! Eat your bread with gladness and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already accepted your deeds.