Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless--like chasing the wind. I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them--for this is their lot. There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God's hand. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.