Labor Motivated by Prestige-Seeking

13 A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king

who no longer knows how to receive advice.

14 For he came out of prison to become king,

even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

15 I considered all the living who walk on earth,

as well as the successor who would arise in his place.

16 There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations,

yet future generations will not rejoice in him.

This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.

5 Be careful what you do when you go to the temple of God;

draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice like fools,

for they do not realize that they are doing wrong.

2 Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God,

for God is in heaven and you are on earth!

Therefore, let your words be few.

3 Just as dreams come when there are many cares,

so the rash vow of a fool occurs when there are many words.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it.

For God takes no pleasure in fools:

Pay what you vow!

5 It is better for you not to vow

than to vow and not pay it.

6 Do not let your mouth cause you to sin,

and do not tell the priest, “It was a mistake!”

Why make God angry at you

so that he would destroy the work of your hands?”

7 Just as there is futility in many dreams,

so also in many words.

Therefore, fear God!