\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Ecclesiastes}
{\MT Ecclesiastes
\par }{\MTB or, The Preacher

\par }\ChapOne{1}{\PP \VerseOne{1}The
words
of
the
Preacher,
the
son
of
David,
king
in
Jerusalem:
\par }{\PP \VS{2}“Vanity
of
vanities,”
says
the
Preacher; “Vanity
of
vanities,
all
is
vanity.”
\VS{3}What
does
man gain
from
all
his labour
in
which
he labours
under
the
sun?
\VS{4}One
generation
goes,
and
another
generation
comes;
but
the
earth
remains
forever.
\VS{5}The
sun
also
rises,
and
the
sun
goes down,
and hurries
to
its
place
where
it
rises.
\VS{6}The
wind
goes towards
the
south,
and
turns
around
to
the
north.
It
turns
around
continually
as
it
goes,
and
the
wind
returns
again
to
its
courses.
\VS{7}All
the rivers
run
into
the
sea,
yet
the
sea
is
not
full.
To
the
place
where
the rivers
flow,
there
they
flow
again.
\VS{8}All
things
are
full
of weariness
beyond uttering.
The
eye
is
not
satisfied
with
seeing,
nor
the
ear
filled
with
hearing.
\VS{9}That
which
has
been
is
that
which
shall
be,
and
that
which
has
been
done
is
that
which
shall
be
done;
and
there
is
no
new
thing
under
the
sun.
\VS{10}Is
there
a
thing
of
which
it
may
be
said, “Behold,\FTNT{*}{{\FR 1:10 }
“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.}
this
is
new?”
It
has
been
long
ago,
in
the
ages
which
were
before
us.
\VS{11}There
is
no memory
of
the
former;
neither
shall
there
be
any memory
of
the
latter
that
are
to
come, amongst
those
that
shall
come
after.
\par }{\PP \VS{12}I,
the
Preacher,
was
king
over
Israel
in
Jerusalem.
\VS{13}I
applied
my
heart
to
seek
and
to
search
out
by
wisdom
concerning
all
that
is
done
under
the
sky.
It
is
a heavy burden
that
God\FTNT{†}{{\FR 1:13 }
The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).}
has
given
to
the
sons
of
men
to
be
afflicted
with.
\VS{14}I
have
seen
all
the
works
that
are
done
under
the
sun;
and
behold,
all
is
vanity
and
a
chasing
after
wind.
\VS{15}That which
is
crooked
can’t
be made straight;
and
that which
is
lacking
can’t
be
counted.
\VS{16}I
said
to
myself, “Behold,
I
have obtained
for
myself
great
wisdom
above
all
who
were
before
me
in
Jerusalem.
Yes,
my
heart
has
had
great
experience
of
wisdom
and
knowledge.”
\VS{17}I
applied
my
heart
to
know
wisdom,
and
to
know
madness
and
folly.
I
perceived
that
this
also
was
a
chasing
after
wind.
\VS{18}For
in
much
wisdom
is
much grief;
and
he
who
increases
knowledge
increases
sorrow.

\par }\Chap{2}{\PP \VerseOne{1}I
said
in
my
heart, “Come
now,
I
will
test
you
with
mirth;
therefore
enjoy
pleasure;”
and
behold,
this
also
was
vanity.
\VS{2}I
said
of
laughter, “It
is foolishness;”
and
of
mirth, “What
does
it
accomplish?”
\par }{\PP \VS{3}I searched
in
my
heart
how
to cheer
my
flesh
with
wine,
my
heart
yet guiding
me
with
wisdom,
and
how
to
lay
hold
of
folly,
until
I
might
see
what
it
was
good
for
the
sons
of
men
that
they
should
do
under
heaven
all
the
days
of
their
lives.
\VS{4}I
made myself
great
works. I
built myself
houses. I
planted myself
vineyards.
\VS{5}I
made myself
gardens
and
parks,
and I
planted
trees
in
them
of
all
kinds
of
fruit.
\VS{6}I
made myself
pools
of
water,
to
water
the
forest where
trees
were
grown.
\VS{7}I
bought
male
servants
and
female
servants,
and
had
servants
born
in
my
house.
I
also
had great
possessions
of
herds
and
flocks,
above
all
who
were
before
me
in
Jerusalem.
\VS{8}I
also
gathered
silver
and
gold
for
myself,
and
the
treasure
of
kings
and
of
the
provinces.
I got
myself
male
and female
singers,
and
the delights
of
the
sons
of
men: musical instruments
of
all sorts.
\VS{9}So
I
was
great,
and
increased
more
than
all
who
were
before
me
in
Jerusalem.
My
wisdom
also
remained
with
me.
\VS{10}Whatever
my
eyes
desired,
I
didn’t
keep
from
them.
I
didn’t
withhold
my
heart
from
any
joy,
for
my
heart
rejoiced
because
of
all
my labour,
and
this
was
my
portion
from
all
my labour.
\VS{11}Then
I
looked
at
all
the
works
that
my
hands
had
worked,
and
at
the labour
that
I
had laboured
to
do;
and
behold,
all
was
vanity
and
a
chasing
after
wind,
and
there
was
no
profit
under
the
sun.
\par }{\PP \VS{12}I
turned
myself
to
consider
wisdom,
madness,
and
folly;
for
what
can
the
king’s successor
do?
Just
that
which
has
been
done
long ago.
\VS{13}Then
I
saw
that
wisdom
excels
folly,
as far
as
light
excels
darkness.
\VS{14}The
wise
man’s
eyes
are
in
his
head,
and
the
fool
walks
in
darkness—and
yet
I
perceived
that
one event
happens
to
them
all.
\VS{15}Then
I
said
in
my
heart, “As
it
happens
to
the
fool,
so
will
it happen
even
to
me;
and
why
was
I
then
more
wise?”
Then
I
said
in
my
heart
that
this
also
is
vanity.
\VS{16}For
of
the
wise
man,
even
as
of
the
fool,
there
is
no memory
forever,
since
in
the
days
to
come
all
will
have
been
long
forgotten.
Indeed,
the
wise
man
must
die
just
like
the
fool!
\par }{\PP \VS{17}So
I
hated
life,
because
the
work
that
is
worked
under
the
sun
was grievous
to
me;
for
all
is
vanity
and
a
chasing
after
wind.
\VS{18}I
hated
all
my labour
in which
I laboured
under
the
sun,
because
I
must
leave
it
to
the
man
who
comes
after
me.
\VS{19}Who
knows
whether
he
will
be
a
wise
man
or
a
fool?
Yet
he
will
have rule
over
all
of
my labour
in
which
I
have laboured,
and
in
which
I
have
shown
myself
wise
under
the
sun.
This
also
is
vanity.
\par }{\PP \VS{20}Therefore
I began
to cause
my
heart
to
despair
concerning
all
the labour
in
which
I
had laboured
under
the
sun.
\VS{21}For
there
is
a
man
whose labour
is
with
wisdom,
with
knowledge,
and
with skilfulness;
yet
he
shall leave
it
for
his
portion
to
a
man
who
has
not laboured
for
it.
This
also
is
vanity
and
a
great
evil.
\VS{22}For
what
does
a
man
have
of
all
his labour
and
of
the
striving
of
his
heart,
in
which
he labours
under
the
sun?
\VS{23}For
all
his
days
are
sorrows,
and
his travail
is grief;
yes,
even
in
the
night
his
heart takes
no
rest.
This
also
is
vanity.
\VS{24}There
is
nothing
better
for
a
man
than
that
he
should
eat
and
drink,
and
make
his
soul
enjoy
good
in
his labour.
This
also
I
saw,
that
it
is
from
the
hand
of
God.
\VS{25}For
who
can
eat,
or
who
can
have enjoyment,
more
than
I?
\VS{26}For
to
the
man
who pleases
him,
God
gives
wisdom,
knowledge,
and
joy;
but
to
the
sinner
he
gives travail,
to
gather
and
to
heap
up,
that
he
may
give
to
him
who pleases
God.
This
also
is
vanity
and
a
chasing
after
wind.

\par }\Chap{3}{\PP \VerseOne{1}For
everything
there
is
a
season,
and
a
time
for
every
purpose
under
heaven:
\par }{\Q \VS{2}a
time
to
be
born,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
die;
\par }{\Q a
time
to
plant,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to pluck up
that which
is
planted;
\par }{\Q \VS{3}a
time
to
kill,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
heal;
\par }{\Q a
time
to
break
down,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
build
up;
\par }{\Q \VS{4}a
time
to
weep,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
laugh;
\par }{\Q a
time
to
mourn,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
dance;
\par }{\Q \VS{5}a
time
to
cast
away
stones,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
gather
stones together;
\par }{\Q a
time
to
embrace,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to refrain
from
embracing;
\par }{\Q \VS{6}a
time
to
seek,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to lose;
\par }{\Q a
time
to
keep,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
cast
away;
\par }{\Q \VS{7}a
time
to
tear,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
sew;
\par }{\Q a
time
to
keep silence,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
speak;
\par }{\Q \VS{8}a
time
to
love,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
to
hate;
\par }{\Q a
time
for
war,
\par }{\QB and
a
time
for
peace.
\par }{\PP \VS{9}What
profit
has
he
who
works
in
that
in
which
he labours?
\VS{10}I
have
seen
the burden
which
God
has
given
to
the
sons
of
men
to
be
afflicted
with.
\VS{11}He
has
made
everything
beautiful
in
its
time.
He
has
also
set
eternity
in
their
hearts,
yet
so
that
man
can’t
find
out
the
work
that
God
has
done
from
the
beginning
even
to
the
end.
\VS{12}I
know
that
there
is
nothing
better
for
them
than
to
rejoice,
and
to
do
good
as long
as
they
live.
\VS{13}Also
that
every
man
should
eat
and
drink,
and
enjoy
good
in
all
his labour,
is
the
gift
of
God.
\VS{14}I
know
that
whatever
God
does,
it
shall
be
forever.
Nothing
can
be
added
to
it,
nor
anything
taken
from
it;
and
God
has
done
it,
that
men
should
fear
before
him.
\VS{15}That
which
is
has
been
long ago,
and
that
which
is
to
be
has
been
long ago.
God
seeks
again
that
which
is
passed away.
\par }{\PP \VS{16}Moreover
I
saw
under
the
sun,
in
the
place
of
justice,
that
wickedness
was
there;
and
in
the
place
of
righteousness,
that
wickedness
was
there.
\VS{17}I
said
in
my
heart, “God
will
judge
the
righteous
and
the
wicked;
for
there
is
a
time
there
for
every
purpose
and
for
every
work.”
\VS{18}I
said
in
my
heart, “As
for
the
sons
of
men,
God tests
them,
so
that
they
may
see
that
they
themselves
are
like
animals.
\VS{19}For
that
which happens
to
the
sons
of
men happens
to
animals.
Even
one
thing happens
to
them.
As
the
one
dies,
so
the
other
dies.
Yes,
they
have
all
one
breath;
and
man
has
no
advantage
over
the
animals,
for
all
is
vanity.
\VS{20}All
go
to
one
place.
All
are
from
the
dust,
and
all
turn
to
dust
again.
\VS{21}Who
knows
the
spirit
of
man, whether
it
goes
upward,
and
the
spirit
of
the
animal, whether
it
goes
downward
to
the
earth?”
\par }{\PP \VS{22}Therefore
I
saw
that
there
is
nothing
better
than
that
a
man
should
rejoice
in
his
works,
for
that
is
his
portion;
for
who
can
bring
him
to
see
what
will
be
after
him?

\par }\Chap{4}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Then
I
returned
and
saw
all
the
oppressions
that
are
done
under
the
sun:
and
behold,
the
tears
of
those
who
were
oppressed,
and
they
had
no
comforter;
and
on
the
side
of
their
oppressors
there
was
power;
but
they
had
no
comforter.
\VS{2}Therefore
I praised
the
dead
who
have
been long
dead
more
than
the
living
who
are yet
alive.
\VS{3}Yes,
better
than
them
both
is
him
who
has
not
yet
been,
who
has
not
seen
the
evil
work
that
is
done
under
the
sun.
\VS{4}Then
I
saw
all
the labour
and achievement
that
is
the
envy
of
a
man’s neighbour.
This
also
is
vanity
and
a
striving
after
wind.
\par }{\PP \VS{5}The
fool
folds
his
hands together
and ruins
himself.
\VS{6}Better
is
a handful,
with quietness,
than two
handfuls
with labour
and
chasing
after
wind.
\par }{\PP \VS{7}Then
I
returned
and
saw
vanity
under
the
sun.
\VS{8}There
is
one
who
is
alone,
and
he
has
neither
son
nor
brother.
There
is
no
end
to
all
of
his labour,
neither
are
his
eyes
satisfied
with
wealth. “For
whom
then
do
I labour
and deprive
my
soul
of
enjoyment?”
This
also
is
vanity.
Yes,
it
is
a miserable business.
\par }{\PP \VS{9}Two
are
better
than
one,
because
they
have
a
good
reward
for
their labour.
\VS{10}For
if
they
fall,
the
one
will
lift
up
his fellow;
but
woe
to
him
who
is
alone
when
he
falls,
and doesn’t
have
another
to
lift
him
up.
\VS{11}Again,
if
two
lie
together,
then
they
have warmth;
but
how
can
one
keep
warm
alone?
\VS{12}If
a
man prevails
against
one
who
is
alone,
two
shall
withstand
him;
and
a threefold
cord
is
not
quickly
broken.
\par }{\PP \VS{13}Better
is
a
poor
and
wise
youth
than an
old
and
foolish
king
who
doesn’t
know
how
to receive admonition
any
more.
\VS{14}For
out
of
prison
he
came
out
to
be
king;
yes,
even
in
his
kingdom
he
was
born
poor.
\VS{15}I
saw
all
the
living
who
walk
under
the
sun,
that
they
were
with
the
youth,
the
other,
who
succeeded
him.
\VS{16}There
was
no
end
of
all
the
people,
even
of
all
them
over
whom
he
was—yet
those
who
come
after
shall
not
rejoice
in
him.
Surely
this
also
is
vanity
and
a
chasing
after
wind.

\par }\Chap{5}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Guard
your steps
when
you
go
to
God’s house;
for
to
draw
near
to listen
is
better
than
to
give
the sacrifice
of fools,
for
they
don’t know
that
they
do evil.
\VS{2}Don’t
be rash
with
your mouth,
and don’t let
your heart
be hasty
to utter
anything before God;
for God
is
in heaven,
and
you
on earth.
Therefore let
your
words
be few.
\VS{3}For
as
a dream comes
with
a multitude
of cares,
so
a
fool’s speech
with
a multitude
of words.
\VS{4}When
you
vow
a
vow
to
God,
don’t defer
to
pay
it;
for
he
has
no pleasure
in fools.
Pay
that
which
you
vow.
\VS{5}It
is
better
that
you
should
not
vow,
than
that
you
should
vow
and
not
pay.
\VS{6}Don’t allow
your mouth
to lead
you into sin. Don’t protest
before
the messenger
that
this
was
a mistake.
Why
should
God
be angry
at
your voice,
and destroy
the
work
of
your hands?
\VS{7}For
in
the multitude
of dreams there
are vanities,
as well
as
in many words;
but
you
must fear God.
\par }{\PP \VS{8}If
you see
the oppression
of
the poor,
and
the violent taking
away
of justice
and righteousness
in
a district, don’t marvel
at
the matter,
for
one official
is eyed
by
a higher
one,
and
there
are officials
over
them.
\VS{9}Moreover
the profit
of
the earth
is
for
all.
The king profits
from
the field.
\par }{\PP \VS{10}He
who loves silver
shall
not
be satisfied
with silver,
nor
he
who loves
abundance,
with
increase.
This
also
is vanity.
\VS{11}When goods
increase,
those
who
eat
them
are
increased;
and what advantage
is
there
to
its owner,
except
to
feast
on
them
with
his eyes?
\par }{\PP \VS{12}The sleep
of
a labouring
man
is sweet,
whether
he eats little
or much;
but
the abundance
of
the
rich
will not allow
him
to sleep.
\par }{\PP \VS{13}There
is
a grievous
evil
which
I
have seen
under
the sun:
wealth kept
by
its owner
to
his
harm.
\VS{14}Those riches perish
by misfortune,
and
if
he
has fathered
a son,
there
is
nothing
in
his
hand.
\VS{15}As
he
came
out
of
his mother’s womb, naked
shall
he
go again
as
he
came,
and
shall
take
nothing
for
his labour,
which
he
may
carry
away
in
his hand.
\VS{16}This
also
is
a grievous evil,
that
in
all points
as
he came,
so
shall
he go.
And
what profit
does
he
have
who labours
for
the wind?
\VS{17}All
his
days
he
also
eats
in darkness,
he
is frustrated,
and
has sickness
and wrath.
\par }{\PP \VS{18}Behold,
that
which
I
have seen
to
be good
and proper
is
for
one
to
eat
and
to drink,
and
to enjoy good
in
all
his labour,
in
which
he labours
under
the sun,
all
the days
of
his life
which
God
has
given
him;
for
this
is
his
portion.
\VS{19}Every man
also
to whom
God
has given riches
and
wealth,
and
has given
him power
to eat
of
it,
and
to
take
his portion,
and
to
rejoice
in
his labour—this
is
the gift
of
God.
\VS{20}For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life, because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

\par }\Chap{6}{\PP \VerseOne{1}There
is
an
evil
which
I
have
seen
under
the
sun,
and
it
is heavy
on
men:
\VS{2}a
man
to
whom
God
gives
riches,
wealth,
and honour,
so
that
he
lacks
nothing
for
his
soul
of
all
that
he
desires,
yet
God
gives
him
no power
to
eat
of
it,
but
an
alien
eats
it.
This
is
vanity,
and
it
is
an
evil
disease.
\par }{\PP \VS{3}If
a
man
fathers
a
hundred
children,
and
lives
many
years,
so
that
the
days
of
his
years
are
many,
but
his
soul
is
not
filled
with
good,
and
moreover
he
has
no
burial,
I
say
that
a
stillborn
child
is
better
than
he;
\VS{4}for
it
comes
in
vanity,
and departs
in
darkness,
and
its
name
is
covered
with
darkness.
\VS{5}Moreover
it
has
not
seen
the
sun
nor
known
it.
This
has rest
rather
than
the
other.
\VS{6}Yes, though
he
live
a
thousand
years
twice
told,
and
yet fails
to
enjoy
good,
don’t
all
go
to
one
place?
\VS{7}All
the labour
of
man
is
for
his
mouth,
and
yet
the
appetite
is
not
filled.
\VS{8}For
what
advantage
has
the
wise
more
than
the
fool?
What
has
the
poor
man,
that
knows
how
to
walk
before
the
living?
\VS{9}Better
is
the
sight
of
the
eyes
than
the wandering
of
the
desire.
This
also
is
vanity
and
a
chasing
after
wind.
\VS{10}Whatever
has
been,
its
name
was
given
long ago;
and
it
is
known
what
man
is;
neither
can
he contend
with
him
who
is mightier
than
he.
\VS{11}For
there
are
many
words
that create
vanity.
What
does
that profit
man?
\VS{12}For
who
knows
what
is
good
for
man
in
life,
all
the
days
of
his
vain
life
which
he spends
like
a
shadow?
For
who
can
tell
a
man
what
will
be
after
him
under
the
sun?

\par }\Chap{7}{\PP \VerseOne{1}A
good
name
is
better
than fine perfume;
and
the
day
of
death
better
than
the
day
of one’s
birth.
\VS{2}It
is
better
to go
to
the
house
of
mourning
than
to go
to
the
house
of
feasting;
for
that
is
the
end
of
all
men,
and
the
living
should
take
this
to
heart.
\VS{3}Sorrow
is
better
than
laughter;
for
by
the
sadness
of
the
face
the
heart
is
made
good.
\VS{4}The
heart
of
the
wise
is
in
the
house
of
mourning;
but
the
heart
of
fools
is
in
the
house
of
mirth.
\VS{5}It
is
better
to
hear
the
rebuke
of
the
wise
than
for
a
man
to
hear
the
song
of
fools.
\VS{6}For
as
the
crackling
of thorns
under
a
pot,
so
is
the
laughter
of
the
fool.
This
also
is
vanity.
\VS{7}Surely
extortion
makes
the
wise
man foolish;
and
a
bribe
destroys
the
understanding.
\VS{8}Better
is
the
end
of
a
thing
than its
beginning.
\par }{\PP The
patient
in
spirit
is
better
than
the proud
in
spirit.
\VS{9}Don’t
be hasty
in
your
spirit
to
be
angry,
for
anger
rests
in
the
bosom
of
fools.
\VS{10}Don’t
say, “Why
were
the
former
days
better
than
these?”
For
you
do
not
ask
wisely
about
this.
\par }{\PP \VS{11}Wisdom
is
as
good
as
an
inheritance.
Yes,
it
is
more excellent
for
those who
see
the
sun.
\VS{12}For
wisdom
is
a defence,
even
as
money
is
a defence;
but
the excellency
of
knowledge
is
that
wisdom
preserves
the
life
of
him
who
has
it.
\par }{\PP \VS{13}Consider
the
work
of
God,
for
who
can
make
that straight
which
he
has
made
crooked?
\VS{14}In
the
day
of
prosperity
be joyful,
and
in
the
day
of adversity
consider;
yes,
God
has
made
the
one
side
by
side
with
the
other,
to
the
end
that
man
should
not
find
out
anything
after
him.
\par }{\PP \VS{15}All
this
I
have
seen
in
my
days
of
vanity:
there
is
a
righteous
man
who
perishes
in
his
righteousness,
and
there
is
a
wicked
man
who lives
long
in
his evildoing.
\VS{16}Don’t
be
overly
righteous,
neither
make yourself
overly
wise.
Why
should
you
destroy yourself?
\VS{17}Don’t
be
too
wicked,
neither
be
foolish.
Why
should
you
die
before
your
time?
\VS{18}It
is
good
that
you
should
take
hold
of
this.
Yes,
also
don’t withdraw
your
hand
from
that;
for
he
who
fears
God
will
come
out
of
them
all.
\VS{19}Wisdom
is
a strength
to
the
wise
man more than
ten
rulers
who
are
in
a
city.
\VS{20}Surely
there
is
not
a
righteous
man
on
earth
who
does
good
and
doesn’t
sin.
\VS{21}Also
don’t
take
heed
to
all
words
that
are
spoken, lest
you
hear
your
servant
curse
you;
\VS{22}for often
your own
heart
knows
that
you
yourself
have
likewise
cursed
others.
\VS{23}All
this
I
have
proved
in
wisdom.
I
said, “I
will
be
wise;”
but
it
was
far
from
me.
\VS{24}That
which
is,
is
far
off
and
exceedingly
deep.
Who
can
find
it
out?
\VS{25}I
turned
around,
and
my
heart
sought
to
know
and
to
search
out,
and
to
seek
wisdom
and
the scheme
of things,
and
to
know
that
wickedness
is stupidity,
and
that
foolishness
is
madness.
\par }{\PP \VS{26}I
find
more
bitter
than
death
the
woman
whose
heart
is snares
and traps,
whose
hands
are
chains.
Whoever pleases
God
shall
escape
from
her;
but
the
sinner
will
be ensnared
by
her.
\par }{\PP \VS{27}“Behold,
I
have
found
this,”
says
the
Preacher, “to
one
another,
to
find
an
explanation
\VS{28}which
my
soul
still
seeks,
but
I
have
not
found.
I
have
found
one
man amongst
a
thousand,
but
I
have
not
found
a
woman amongst
all
those.
\VS{29}Behold,
I
have
only
found
this:
that
God
made
mankind
upright;
but
they
search
for
many inventions.”

\par }\Chap{8}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Who
is
like
the
wise
man?
And
who
knows
the
interpretation
of
a
thing?
A
man’s
wisdom
makes
his
face
shine,
and
the hardness
of
his
face
is
changed.
\par }{\PP \VS{2}I
say, “Keep
the
king’s
command!”
because
of
the
oath
to
God.
\VS{3}Don’t
be hasty
to go
out
of
his
presence.
Don’t
persist
in
an
evil
thing,
for
he
does
whatever
pleases
him,
\VS{4}for
the
king’s
word
is supreme.
Who
can
say
to
him, “What
are
you
doing?”
\VS{5}Whoever
keeps
the
commandment
shall
not come
to
harm,
and
his
wise
heart
will
know
the
time
and
procedure.
\VS{6}For
there
is
a
time
and
procedure
for
every
purpose,
although
the misery
of
man
is heavy
on
him.
\VS{7}For
he doesn’t
know
that
which
will
be;
for
who
can
tell
him
how
it
will
be?
\VS{8}There
is
no
man
who
has power
over
the
spirit
to contain
the
spirit;
neither
does
he
have power
over
the
day
of
death.
There
is
no
discharge
in
war;
neither
shall
wickedness
deliver
those
who practise
it.
\par }{\PP \VS{9}All
this
I
have
seen,
and
applied
my
mind
to
every
work
that
is
done
under
the
sun.
There
is
a
time
in
which
one
man
has power
over
another
to
his hurt.
\VS{10}So
I
saw
the
wicked
buried.
Indeed
they
came
also
from holiness.
They
went
and
were
forgotten
in
the
city
where
they
did
this.
This
also
is
vanity.
\VS{11}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.
\VS{12}Though
a
sinner
commits
crimes
a
hundred
times,
and
lives
long,
yet
surely
I
know
that
it
will
be
better
with
those
who
fear
God,
who
are reverent
before
him.
\VS{13}But
it
shall
not
be
well
with
the
wicked,
neither
shall
he
lengthen
days
like
a
shadow,
because
he
doesn’t
fear
God.
\par }{\PP \VS{14}There
is
a
vanity
which
is
done
on
the
earth,
that
there
are
righteous
men
to
whom
it
happens
according
to
the
work
of
the
wicked. Again,
there
are
wicked
men
to
whom
it
happens
according
to
the
work
of
the
righteous.
I
said
that
this
also
is
vanity.
\VS{15}Then
I commended
mirth,
because
a
man
has
no
better
thing
under
the
sun
than
to
eat,
to
drink,
and
to
be
joyful:
for
that
will accompany
him
in
his labour
all
the
days
of
his
life
which
God
has
given
him
under
the
sun.
\par }{\PP \VS{16}When
I
applied
my
heart
to
know
wisdom,
and
to
see
the business
that
is
done
on
the
earth (even
though
eyes
see
no
sleep
day
or
night),
\VS{17}then
I
saw
all
the
work
of
God,
that
man
can’t
find
out
the
work
that
is
done
under
the
sun,
because
however
much
a
man labours
to
seek
it
out,
yet
he
won’t
find
it.
Yes
even
though
a
wise
man thinks
he
can
comprehend
it,
he
won’t
be
able
to
find
it.

\par }\Chap{9}{\PP \VerseOne{1}For
all
this
I
laid
to
my
heart,
even
to explore
all
this:
that
the
righteous,
and
the
wise,
and
their works,
are
in
the
hand
of
God;
whether
it
is
love
or
hatred,
man doesn’t
know
it;
all
is
before
them.
\VS{2}All
things come
alike
to
all.
There
is
one event
to
the
righteous
and
to
the
wicked;
to
the
good,
to
the
clean,
to
the
unclean,
to
him
who
sacrifices,
and
to
him
who doesn’t
sacrifice.
As
is
the
good,
so
is
the
sinner;
he
who
takes
an
oath,
as
he
who
fears
an
oath.
\VS{3}This
is
an
evil
in
all
that
is
done
under
the
sun,
that
there
is
one event
to
all.
Yes
also,
the
heart
of
the
sons
of
men
is
full
of
evil,
and
madness
is
in
their
heart
while
they
live,
and
after
that
they go
to
the
dead.
\VS{4}For
to
him
who
is joined
with
all
the
living
there
is
hope;
for
a
living
dog
is
better
than
a
dead
lion.
\VS{5}For
the
living
know
that
they
will
die,
but
the
dead
don’t
know
anything,
neither
do
they
have
any
more
a
reward;
for
their
memory
is
forgotten.
\VS{6}Also
their
love,
their
hatred,
and
their
envy
has
perished
long
ago;
neither
do
they
any
longer
have
a
portion
forever
in
anything
that
is
done
under
the
sun.
\par }{\PP \VS{7}Go
your way—eat
your
bread
with
joy,
and
drink
your
wine
with
a merry
heart;
for
God
has
already
accepted
your
works.
\VS{8}Let
your
garments
be
always
white,
and
don’t
let
your
head
lack
oil.
\VS{9}Live joyfully
with
the
wife
whom
you
love
all
the
days
of
your
life
of
vanity,
which
he
has
given
you
under
the
sun,
all
your
days
of
vanity,
for
that
is
your
portion
in
life,
and
in
your labour
in
which
you labour
under
the
sun.
\VS{10}Whatever
your
hand
finds
to
do,
do
it
with
your
might;
for
there
is
no
work,
nor plan,
nor
knowledge,
nor
wisdom,
in
Sheol,\FTNT{*}{{\FR 9:10 }
Sheol is the place of the dead.}
where
you
are
going.
\par }{\PP \VS{11}I
returned
and
saw
under
the
sun
that
the
race
is
not
to
the
swift,
nor
the
battle
to
the
strong,
neither
yet
bread
to
the
wise,
nor
yet
riches
to
men
of
understanding,
nor
yet favour
to
men
of skill;
but
time
and
chance happen
to
them
all.
\VS{12}For
man
also
doesn’t
know
his
time.
As
the
fish
that
are
taken
in
an
evil net,
and
as
the
birds
that
are
caught
in
the
snare,
even
so
are
the
sons
of
men
snared
in
an
evil
time,
when
it
falls
suddenly
on
them.
\par }{\PP \VS{13}I
have
also
seen
wisdom
under
the
sun
in
this way,
and
it
seemed
great
to
me.
\VS{14}There
was
a
little
city,
and
few
men
within
it;
and
a
great
king
came
against
it, besieged
it,
and
built
great bulwarks
against
it.
\VS{15}Now
a
poor
wise
man
was
found
in
it,
and
he
by
his
wisdom
delivered
the
city;
yet
no
man
remembered
that
same
poor
man.
\VS{16}Then
I
said, “Wisdom
is
better
than
strength.” Nevertheless
the
poor man’s
wisdom
is
despised,
and
his
words
are
not
heard.
\VS{17}The
words
of
the
wise
heard
in quiet
are better than
the
cry
of
him
who
rules amongst
fools.
\VS{18}Wisdom
is
better
than
weapons
of
war; but
one
sinner
destroys
much
good.

\par }\PoetryChap{10}{\Q \VerseOne{1}Dead
flies cause
the
oil
of
the
perfumer
to produce an evil odour;
\par }{\QB so does
a
little
folly outweigh
wisdom
and honour.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}A
wise
man’s
heart
is at his
right
hand,
\par }{\QB but a
fool’s
heart at his
left.
\VS{3}Yes
also
when
the
fool
walks
by
the
way,
his
understanding fails
him,
and
he
says
to
everyone
that
he
is
a
fool.
\VS{4}If
the
spirit
of
the
ruler
rises
up
against
you,
don’t
leave
your
place;
for gentleness lays
great offences
to rest.
\par }{\PP \VS{5}There
is
an
evil which
I
have
seen
under
the
sun,
the sort
of
error which
proceeds
from
the
ruler.
\VS{6}Folly
is
set
in
great dignity,
and
the
rich
sit
in
a
low
place.
\VS{7}I
have
seen
servants
on
horses,
and
princes
walking
like
servants
on
the
earth.
\VS{8}He who
digs
a
pit
may
fall
into
it;
and whoever
breaks
through
a
wall
may be bitten
by
a
snake.
\VS{9}Whoever carves
out
stones may
be injured
by them. Whoever
splits
wood may
be
endangered
by it.
\VS{10}If
the
axe
is blunt,
and
one
doesn’t
sharpen
the
edge,
then
he
must
use
more
strength;
but
skill brings
success.
\par }{\PP \VS{11}If
the
snake bites
before
it
is
charmed,
then
is
there
no
profit
for
the charmer’s
tongue.
\VS{12}The
words
of
a
wise
man’s
mouth
are
gracious;
but
a
fool
is
swallowed
by
his own
lips.
\VS{13}The
beginning
of
the
words
of
his
mouth
is
foolishness;
and
the
end
of
his
talk
is mischievous
madness.
\VS{14}A
fool
also multiplies
words.
\par }{\PP Man
doesn’t
know
what
will
be;
and
that
which
will
be
after
him,
who
can
tell
him?
\VS{15}The labour
of
fools
wearies every
one
of
them;
for
he
doesn’t
know
how
to go
to
the
city.
\par }{\Q \VS{16}Woe
to
you,
land,
when
your
king
is
a
child,
\par }{\QB and
your
princes
eat
in
the
morning!
\par }{\Q \VS{17}Happy
are
you,
land,
when
your
king
is
the
son
of
nobles,
\par }{\QB and
your
princes
eat
in due
season,
\par }{\QB for
strength,
and
not
for
drunkenness!
\par }{\Q \VS{18}By slothfulness
the roof sinks
in;
\par }{\QB and
through idleness
of
the
hands
the
house
leaks.
\par }{\Q \VS{19}A feast
is
made
for
laughter,
\par }{\QB and
wine
makes
the
life
glad;
\par }{\QB and
money
is
the
answer
for
all
things.
\par }{\Q \VS{20}Don’t
curse
the
king,
no,
not
in
your
thoughts;
\par }{\QB and
don’t
curse
the
rich
in
your
bedroom,
\par }{\QB for
a
bird
of
the
sky
may carry
your
voice,
\par }{\QB and
that
which
has
wings
may
tell
the
matter.

\par }\Chap{11}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Cast
your
bread
on
the
waters;
\par }{\QB for
you
shall
find
it
after
many
days.
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Give
a
portion
to
seven,
yes,
even
to
eight;
\par }{\QB for
you
don’t
know
what
evil
will
be
on
the
earth.
\par }{\Q \VS{3}If
the
clouds
are
full
of
rain,
they empty
themselves
on
the
earth;
\par }{\QB and
if
a
tree
falls towards
the
south,
or towards
the
north,
\par }{\QB in
the
place
where
the
tree
falls,
there
shall
it
be.
\par }{\Q \VS{4}He
who
observes
the
wind
won’t
sow;
\par }{\QB and
he
who
regards
the
clouds
won’t
reap.
\par }{\Q \VS{5}As
you
don’t
know
what
is
the
way
of
the
wind,
\par }{\QB nor
how
the
bones grow
in
the
womb
of
her
who
is
with child;
\par }{\QB even
so
you
don’t
know
the
work
of
God
who
does
all.
\par }{\Q \VS{6}In
the
morning
sow
your
seed,
\par }{\QB and
in
the
evening
don’t
withhold
your
hand;
\par }{\QB for
you
don’t
know
which
will prosper,
whether
this
or
that,
\par }{\QB or
whether
they
both
will
be equally
good.
\par }{\Q \VS{7}Truly
the
light
is
sweet,
\par }{\QB and
it
is
a
pleasant thing
for
the
eyes
to
see
the
sun.
\par }{\Q \VS{8}Yes,
if
a
man
lives
many
years,
let
him
rejoice
in
them
all;
\par }{\QB but
let
him
remember
the
days
of
darkness,
for
they
shall
be
many.
\par }{\QB All
that
comes
is
vanity.
\par }{\Q \VS{9}Rejoice,
young
man,
in
your
youth,
\par }{\QB and
let
your
heart
cheer
you
in
the
days
of
your
youth,
\par }{\QB and
walk
in
the
ways
of
your
heart,
\par }{\QB and
in
the
sight
of
your
eyes;
\par }{\QB but
know
that
for
all
these
things
God
will
bring
you
into judgement.
\par }{\Q \VS{10}Therefore
remove sorrow
from
your
heart,
\par }{\QB and
put
away
evil
from
your
flesh;
\par }{\QB for
youth
and
the dawn
of
life
are
vanity.

\par }\Chap{12}{\PP \VerseOne{1}Remember
also
your Creator
in
the
days
of
your
youth,
\par }{\QB before
the
evil
days
come,
and
the
years
draw
near,
\par }{\QB when
you
will
say, “I
have
no
pleasure
in
them;”
\par }{\Q \VS{2}Before
the
sun,
the
light,
the
moon,
and
the
stars
are
darkened,
\par }{\QB and
the
clouds
return
after
the
rain;
\par }{\Q \VS{3}in
the
day
when
the
keepers
of
the
house
shall
tremble,
\par }{\QB and
the
strong
men
shall bow themselves,
\par }{\QB and
the grinders cease
because
they
are
few,
\par }{\QB and
those
who
look
out
of
the
windows
are
darkened,
\par }{\Q \VS{4}and
the
doors shall
be
shut
in
the
street;
\par }{\QB when
the
sound
of
the
grinding
is
low,
\par }{\QB and
one shall
rise
up
at
the
voice
of
a
bird,
\par }{\QB and
all
the
daughters
of
music shall
be
brought
low;
\par }{\Q \VS{5}yes,
they
shall
be
afraid
of heights,
\par }{\QB and
terrors
will
be
on
the
way;
\par }{\QB and
the
almond
tree
shall blossom,
\par }{\QB and
the
grasshopper
shall
be
a
burden,
\par }{\QB and desire
shall
fail;
\par }{\QB because
man
goes
to
his
everlasting
home,
\par }{\QB and
the
mourners
go
about
the
streets;
\par }{\Q \VS{6}before
the
silver
cord
is severed,
\par }{\QB or
the
golden
bowl
is
broken,
\par }{\QB or
the
pitcher
is
broken
at
the spring,
\par }{\QB or
the
wheel
broken
at
the
cistern,
\par }{\Q \VS{7}and
the
dust
returns
to
the
earth
as
it
was,
\par }{\QB and
the
spirit
returns
to
God
who
gave
it.
\par }{\QB \VS{8}“Vanity
of
vanities,”
says
the
Preacher.
\par }{\QB “All
is
vanity!”
\par }{\PP \VS{9}Further, because
the
Preacher
was
wise,
he
still
taught
the
people
knowledge. Yes,
he
pondered, sought
out,
and set
in order
many
proverbs.
\VS{10}The
Preacher
sought
to
find
out acceptable
words,
and
that
which
was
written blamelessly,
words
of
truth.
\VS{11}The
words
of
the
wise
are
like goads;
and
like nails well
fastened
are
words
from
the
masters
of assemblies,
which
are
given
from
one
shepherd.
\VS{12}Furthermore,
my
son,
be admonished:
of
making
many
books
there
is
no
end;
and
much
study
is
a weariness
of
the
flesh.
\par }{\PP \VS{13}This
is
the
end
of
the
matter.
All
has
been
heard.
Fear
God
and
keep
his
commandments;
for
this
is
the
whole
duty
of
man.
\VS{14}For
God
will
bring
every
work
into judgement,
with
every
hidden
thing,
whether
it
is
good,
or
whether
it
is
evil.
\par }