5:11 When someone’s 1 prosperity 2 increases, those who consume it also increase;
so what does its owner 3 gain, except that he gets to see it with his eyes? 4
5:12 The sleep of the laborer is pleasant – whether he eats little or much –
but the wealth of the rich will not allow him to sleep.
5:13 Here is 5 a misfortune 6 on earth 7 that I have seen:
Wealth hoarded by its owner to his own misery.
5:14 Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; 8
although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him. 9
5:15 Just as he came forth from his mother's womb, naked will he return as he came,
and he will take nothing in his hand that he may carry away from his toil.
5:16 This is another misfortune: 10
Just as he came, so will he go.
What did he gain from toiling for the wind?
5:17 Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, 11
and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.
5:18 I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: 12
to eat and drink, 13 and find enjoyment in all their 14 hard work 15 on earth 16
during the few days of their life which God has given them,
for this is their reward. 17
5:19 To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions,
he has also given him the ability 18
to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil;
these things 19 are the gift of God.
5:20 For he does not think 20 much about the fleeting 21 days of his life
because God keeps him preoccupied 22 with the joy he derives from his activity. 23