Pengkhotbah 8:8

8:8 Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, ¹ 

so no one has power over the day of his ²  death.

Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, ³ 

so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked. ⁴ 

Pengkhotbah 11:9

Enjoy Life to the Fullest under the Fear of God

11:9 Rejoice, young man, while you are young, ⁵ 

and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.

Follow the impulses ⁶  of your heart and the desires ⁷  of your eyes,

but know that God will judge your motives and actions. ⁸ 

[8:8]  ¹ tn Heb “There is not a man who has mastery over the wind to restrain the wind.”

[8:8]  ² tn The word “his” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[8:8]  ³ tn Heb “There is no discharge in war.”

[8:8]  ⁴ tn Heb “its owners.”

[11:9]  ⁵ tn Heb “in your youth”; or “in your childhood.”

[11:9]  ⁶ tn Heb “walk in the ways of your heart.”

[11:9]  ⁷ tn Heb “the sight.”

[11:9]  ⁸ tn Heb “and know that concerning all these God will bring you into judgment.” The point is not that following one’s impulses and desires is inherently bad and will bring condemnation from God. Rather the point seems to be: As you follow your impulses and desires, realize that all you think and do will eventually be evaluated by God. So one must seek joy within the boundaries of God’s moral standards.