8:12 Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time,
yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people – for they stand in fear before him.
8:13 But it will not go well with the wicked,
nor will they prolong their days like a shadow,
because they do not stand in fear before God.
8:14 Here is another enigma that occurs on earth:
Sometimes there are righteous people who get what the wicked deserve,
and sometimes there are wicked people who get what the righteous deserve.
I said, “This also is an enigma.”
8:15 So I recommend the enjoyment of life,
for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life.
So joy will accompany him in his toil
during the days of his life which God gives him on earth.
8:16 When I tried to gain wisdom
and to observe the activity on earth –
even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –
8:17 then I discerned all that God has done:
No one really comprehends what happens on earth.
Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it.
Even if a wise person claimed that he understood,
he would not really comprehend it.