Joy of the Wicked

…the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.

Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.

For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.

So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile.

Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering.

Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.