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All of their love and hate and envy die with them; then it is too late to share in the human struggle under the sun.

At best, life is unpredictable. No one knows whether a pleasant or harsh future awaits. Perhaps it is better that way. It would be nice if good actions always guaranteed a pleasant future, but they don’t. Sometimes, in this fallen world, it is just the opposite. One thing is certain, however: everyone faces death. It is the great equalizer. Yet the teacher is assured of something else: those who are right with God and live wisely are in His hands.

Teacher: So here is what you should do: go and enjoy your meals, drink your wine and love every minute of it because God is already pleased with what you do. Dress your best, and don’t forget a splash of scented fragrance.

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Their love, their hate
    and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
    in anything that happens under the sun.(A)

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine(B) with a joyful heart,(C) for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white,(D) and always anoint your head with oil.

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