Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture; and he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand.
14
or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit.
15 As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil, which he may carry away in his hand.
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 also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go; and what gain has he that he toiled for 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 and spent all his days in darkness and grief, in much vexation and sickness and resentment?
17
All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and to be fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life which God has given him, for this is his lot.
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 Every man also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and find enjoyment in his toil--this is the gift of God.
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 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
20
They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 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.