Life

I have seen the burden God has laid on men

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

I know that there is nothing better for men

Than to be happy and do good while they live

That everyone may eat and drink

And find satisfaction in all his toil

This is the gift of God

I know that everything God does will endure forever

Nothing can be added to it

And nothing taken from it

God does it so that men will revere him

So I saw that there is nothing better for a man

Than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot.

For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

Then I realised that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink

And to find satisfaction in his toilsome labour under the sun

During the few days of life God has given him

For this is his lot.

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions

And enables him to enjoy them

To accept his lot and be happy in his work

This is a gift of God.

Go, eat your food with gladness

And drink your wine with a joyful heart

For it is now that God favours what you do.

Always be clothed in white

And always anoint your head in oil

Enjoy life with your wife whom you love

All the days of this meaningless life

That God has given you under the sun.

For this is your lot in life

And in your toilsome labour under the sun.

Whatever your hand finds to do

Do it with all your might

For in the grave where you are going

There is neither working nor planning

Nor knowledge nor wisdom.

                                                  God's Word.