A (11,12) Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged,

B (12) yet surely I know

C (12,13) that it shall be well <02896> with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well <02896> with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

D (14) There is a vanity which is done upon the earth;

E (14) that there be just <06662> men,

F (14) unto whom it happeneth according to the work

G (14) of the wicked;

G (14) again, there be wicked men,

F1 (14) to whom it happeneth according to the work

E1 (14) of the righteous <06662>:

D1 (14) I said that this also is vanity.

C1 (15) Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing <02896> under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

B1 (16) When I applied mine heart to know wisdom,

A1 (16,17) and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.