24There is nothing better for a person
than that they eat and drink
and ‘show their soul’ good
in their hard work.
I have also seen that this is from God’s hand.
25Because who eats
and who has enjoyment apart from Him?
26Because to the person who is good before Him
He gives (godly)-wisdom, knowledge, and rejoicing,
and to the sinner
He gives the busyness of gathering and collecting
—to give to someone who is good before God.
This too is mere-breath, a chasing of wind.
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us;
that with all our heart and mind
and soul and strength we may seek thy face
and be brought by thine infinite mercy
to thy holy presence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Alcuin (735-804)