Pengkhotbah 9:3

9:3 This is the unfortunate fact ¹  about everything that happens on earth: ² 

the same fate awaits ³  everyone.

In addition to this, the hearts of all people ⁴  are full of evil,

and there is folly in their hearts during their lives – then they die. ⁵ 

Pengkhotbah 11:9

Enjoy Life to the Fullest under the Fear of God

11:9 Rejoice, young man, while you are young, ⁶ 

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

Follow the impulses ⁷  of your heart and the desires ⁸  of your eyes,

but know that God will judge your motives and actions. ⁹ 

[9:3]  ¹ tn Heb “evil.”

[9:3]  ² tn Heb “under the sun.”

[9:3]  ³ tn The term “awaits” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for smoothness and stylistic reasons.

[9:3]  ⁴ tn Heb “also the heart of the sons of man.” Here “heart” is a collective singular.

[9:3]  ⁵ tn Heb “and after that [they go] to [the place of] the dead.”

[11:9]  ⁶ tn Heb “in your youth”; or “in your childhood.”

[11:9]  ⁷ tn Heb “walk in the ways of your heart.”

[11:9]  ⁸ tn Heb “the sight.”

[11:9]  ⁹ 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.