Study Desk

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and approach to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil.

Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.

For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!

For in many dreams and in many words there is futility. Rather, fear God.

If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.

This also is a sickening evil: exactly as a person is born, so will he die. What then is the advantage for him who labors for the wind?

Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink, and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he labors under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.

Furthermore, as for every person to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also given him the opportunity to enjoy them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

For he will not often call to mind the years of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

for a miscarriage comes in futility and goes into darkness; and its name is covered in darkness.

All a person's labor is for his mouth, and yet his appetite is not satisfied.

For what advantage does the wise person have over the fool? What does the poor person have, knowing how to walk before the living?

Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with the one who is mightier than he is.

For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a person?

For who knows what is good for a person during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life? He will spend them like a shadow. For who can tell a person what will happen after him under the sun?

Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise person Than for one to listen to the song of fools.

For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is futility.

For oppression makes a wise person look foolish, And a bribe corrupts the heart.