We are but a shadow upon the Earth, and there is nothing new under the sun, for everything that has been is, and everything that will be also is, and everything that was done or will be done is also being done.
What do you know, O man? And why do you attempt to exalt yourself above the Almighty saying, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High" No! You will fall like princes, you will die like men, you will be brought down to the lowest depths of the pit, and in Sheol you will be utterly forgotten!
Therefore, there is no worth in gold and silver and women, for this is vanity! Rather, seek the law of God and do it! For the words of the Lord are better than silver and gold, and the way of Wisdom is sweeter than honey that is the whore's lips.
Where were you, O man, when the foundations of the Earth were laid? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off the dimensions, surely you know! But you were born only yesterday, and it was the Almighty who rode the clouds of heaven, who set the waters above the Earth, who laid the beams of the upper chambers, who made the angelic spirits to be his fiery ministers shouting before his Throne day and night, "HOLY HOLY HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY."
Therefore the best thing for man to do is to labor all the days of his life, and in work you will find happiness and Wisdom. Get Wisdom! Get understanding! Eat bread, drink wine, be happy all the days of your life. Be a sociable animal because this is in accordance with nature.
There is at least one thing common to both the wicked and righteous, the rich and the poor; both will end up in the same place and all will be forgotten. Into the dust of the Earth both were taken, to the dust they will return.
Therefore, there is nothing good in an exalted name, for this name too will eventually perish from the minds of men. But even if it does not, what does that matter? For a time on Earth is non-existence compared to the vast eternity ahead and the vast eternity behind. And you were really nothing in the first place, you remain only an illusion. But God will judge the wicked and righteous, no one is exempt.
There is a time for everything gentlemen. So when you see a wicked man gain something over you, do not complain. But act as you would at the diner table, for when the wine is being carefully passed around, one by one, do you complain then? But be patient and control your passions, for everything is internal judgment my friend, and in due time you will receive your wages whether in this life or in the next. But I tell you, a day of wrath is coming for the wicked, a day of judgment and justice. Wait patiently, because God will judge both the righteous and the wicked.
Be happy, serve God, walk in accordance with nature, love your neighbor, take joy in work, shun pleasure, hate wickedness, endure suffering. Do these things and by nature you will be good.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.