This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that (A)the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and (B)madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but (C)the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for (D)the memory of them is forgotten.

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This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all.(A) The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live,(B) and afterward they join the dead.(C) Anyone who is among the living has hope[a]—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

For the living know that they will die,
    but the dead know nothing;(D)
they have no further reward,
    and even their name(E) is forgotten.(F)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 9:4 Or What then is to be chosen? With all who live, there is hope