1Send forth your bread on the face of the waters, "" For in the multitude of the days you find it. 2Give a portion to seven, and even to eight, "" For you do not know what evil is on the earth. 3If the thick clouds are full of rain, "" On the earth they empty [themselves]; And if a tree falls in the south or to the north, "" The place where the tree falls, there it is. 4Whoever is observing the wind does not sow, "" And whoever is looking on the thick clouds does not reap. 5As you do not know what [is] the way of the spirit, "" How—bones in the womb of the full one, "" So you do not know the work of God who makes the whole.

6In the morning sow your seed, "" And at evening do not withdraw your hand, "" For you do not know which is right, this or that, "" Or whether both of them alike [are] good.

7Sweet also [is] the light, "" And good for the eyes to see the sun. 8But if man lives many years, "" In all of them let him rejoice, "" And remember the days of darkness, "" For they are many! All that is coming [is] vanity.

9Rejoice, O young man, in your childhood, "" And let your heart gladden you in days of your youth, "" And walk in the ways of your heart, "" And in the sight of your eyes, "" And know that for all these, God brings you into judgment. 10And turn aside anger from your heart, "" And cause evil to pass from your flesh, "" For the childhood and the age [are] vanity!