The Futile Way Life Works

10 Whatever has happened was foreordained,

and what happens to a person was also foreknown.

It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate

because God is more powerful than he is.

11 The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes.

How does that benefit him?

12 For no one knows what is best for a person during his life –

during the few days of his fleeting life –

for they pass away like a shadow.

Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.

7 A good reputation is better than precious perfume;

likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

2 It is better to go to a funeral

than a feast.

For death is the destiny of every person,

and the living should take this to heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter,

because sober reflection is good for the heart.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.