New Century Version NCV
New International Version NIV
13 I have seen real misery here on earth: Money saved is a curse to its owners.
13
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
14 They lose it all in a bad deal and have nothing to give to their children.
14
or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit.
15 People come into this world with nothing, and when they die they leave with nothing. In spite of all their hard work, they leave just as they came.
15
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands.
16 This, too, is real misery: They leave just as they came. So what do they gain from chasing the wind?
16
This too is a grievous evil: As everyone comes, so they depart, and what do they gain, since they toil for the wind?
17 All they get are days full of sadness and sorrow, and they end up sick, defeated, and angry.
17
All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
18 I have seen what is best for people here on earth. They should eat and drink and enjoy their work, because the life God has given them on earth is short.
18
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.
19 God gives some people the ability to enjoy the wealth and property he gives them, as well as the ability to accept their state in life and enjoy their work.
19
Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.
20 They do not worry about how short life is, because God keeps them busy with what they love to do.
20
They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.