1Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun,6:1 Ec 5:13 and it weighs heavily on humanity:6:1 Or it is common among men

2God gives a person riches, wealth, and honor6:2 1Kg 3:13 so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself,6:2 Ps 17:14; 73:7 but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy.

3A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives,6:3 Lit how many years if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial,6:3 Is 14:20; Jr 8:2; 22:19 I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.6:3 Jb 3:16; Ec 4:3

4For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness.

5Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he.

6And if a person lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?

8What advantage then does the wise person have over the fool?6:8 Ec 2:15 What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others?

9Better what the eyes see than wandering desire.6:9 Ec 11:9 This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.6:9 Or a feeding on wind, or an affliction of spirit6:9 Ec 1:14

10Whatever exists was given its name long ago,6:10 Lit name already6:10 Gn 2:19; Ec 1:9–10; 3:15 and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he.6:10 Jb 9:32; Is 45:9

11For when there are many words, they increase futility.6:11 Pr 10:19; Mt 6:7 What is the advantage for mankind?

12For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow?6:12 Ec 3:22 Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?