8
With misspent toil, he forms a futile god from the same clay -- this man who was made of earth a short time before and after a little while goes to the earth from which he was taken, when he is required to return the soul that was lent him.
9
But he is not concerned that he is destined to die or that his life is brief, but he competes with workers in gold and silver, and imitates workers in copper; and he counts it his glory that he molds counterfeit gods.
10
His heart is ashes, his hope is cheaper than dirt, and his life is of less worth than clay,
11
because he failed to know the one who formed him and inspired him with an active soul and breathed into him a living spirit.
12
But he considered our existence an idle game, and life a festival held for profit, for he says one must get money however one can, even by base means.
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.