\NormalFont\ShortTitle{Ecclesiastes}

{\MT Ecclesiastes



\par }\ChapOne{1}{\SH Title
\par }
{\PP \VerseOne{1}The words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:


\par }{\SH Introduction: Utter Futility
\par }
{\Q \VS{2}“Futile! Futile!” laments the Teacher,

\par }{\Q “Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!”


\par }{\SH Futility Illustrated from Nature
\par }
{\Q \VS{3}What benefit do people get from all the effort

\par }{\Q which they expend on earth?


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A generation comes and a generation goes,

\par }{\Q but the earth remains the same through the ages.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The sun rises and the sun sets;

\par }{\Q it hurries away to a place from which it rises again.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}The wind goes to the south and circles around to the north;

\par }{\Q round and round the wind goes and on its rounds it returns.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}All the streams flow into the sea, but the sea is not full,

\par }{\Q and to the place where the streams flow, there they will flow again.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}All this monotony is tiresome; no one can bear to describe it:

\par }{\Q The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear ever content with hearing.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}What exists now is what will be,

\par }{\Q and what has been done is what will be done;

\par }{\Q there is nothing truly new on earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Is there anything about which someone can say, “Look at this! It is new!”?

\par }{\Q It was already done long ago, before our time.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}No one remembers the former events,

\par }{\Q nor will anyone remember the events that are yet to happen;

\par }{\Q they will not be remembered by the future generations.


\par }{\SH Futility of Secular Accomplishment
\par }
{\Q \VS{12}I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine

\par }{\Q all that has been accomplished on earth.

\par }{\Q I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task

\par }{\Q that keeps them occupied.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth,

\par }{\Q and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile – like chasing the wind!


\par }{\Q \VS{15}What is bent cannot be straightened,

\par }{\Q and what is missing cannot be supplied.


\par }{\SH Futility of Secular Wisdom
\par }
{\Q \VS{16}I thought to myself,

\par }{\Q “I have become much wiser than any of my predecessors who ruled over Jerusalem;

\par }{\Q I have acquired much wisdom and knowledge.”


\par }{\Q \VS{17}So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas;

\par }{\Q however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!


\par }{\Q \VS{18}For with great wisdom comes great frustration;

\par }{\Q whoever increases his knowledge merely increases his heartache.


\par }{\Q \par }


\Chap{2}{\PP \VerseOne{1}
\par }{\SH Futility of Self-Indulgent Pleasure I thought to myself,
\par }
{\PP \par }
{\Q “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.”

\par }{\Q But I found that it also is futile.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}I said of partying, “It is folly,”

\par }{\Q and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!”


\par }{\Q \VS{3}I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine

\par }{\Q (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom)

\par }{\Q and the effects of behaving foolishly,

\par }{\Q so that I might discover what is profitable

\par }{\Q for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.


\par }{\SH Futility of Materialism
\par }
{\Q \VS{4}I increased my possessions:

\par }{\Q I built houses for myself;

\par }{\Q I planted vineyards for myself.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}I designed royal gardens and parks for myself,

\par }{\Q and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}I constructed pools of water for myself,

\par }{\Q to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}I purchased male and female slaves,

\par }{\Q and I owned slaves who were born in my house;

\par }{\Q I also possessed more livestock – both herds and flocks –

\par }{\Q than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}I also amassed silver and gold for myself,

\par }{\Q as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces.

\par }{\Q I acquired male singers and female singers for myself,

\par }{\Q and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines!


\par }{\Q \VS{9}So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem,

\par }{\Q yet I maintained my objectivity:


\par }{\Q \VS{10}I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted;

\par }{\Q I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure.

\par }{\Q So all my accomplishments gave me joy;

\par }{\Q this was my reward for all my effort.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished

\par }{\Q and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it,

\par }{\Q I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless –

\par }{\Q like chasing the wind!

\par }{\Q There is nothing gained from them on earth.”


\par }{\SH Wisdom is Better than Folly
\par }
{\Q \VS{12}Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas.

\par }{\Q For what more can the king’s successor do than what the king has already done?


\par }{\Q \VS{13}I realized that wisdom is preferable to folly,

\par }{\Q just as light is preferable to darkness:


\par }{\Q \VS{14}The wise man can see where he is going, but the fool walks in darkness.

\par }{\Q Yet I also realized that the same fate happens to them both.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}So I thought to myself, “The fate of the fool will happen even to me!

\par }{\Q Then what did I gain by becoming so excessively wise?”

\par }{\Q So I lamented to myself,

\par }{\Q “The benefits of wisdom are ultimately meaningless!”


\par }{\Q \VS{16}For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long,

\par }{\Q because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten.

\par }{\Q Alas, the wise man dies – just like the fool!


\par }{\Q \VS{17}So I loathed life because what

\par }{\Q happens on earth seems awful to me;

\par }{\Q for all the benefits of wisdom are futile – like chasing the wind.


\par }{\SH Futility of Being a Workaholic
\par }
{\Q \VS{18}So I loathed all the fruit of my effort,

\par }{\Q for which I worked so hard on earth,

\par }{\Q because I must leave it behind in the hands of my successor.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Who knows if he will be a wise man or a fool?

\par }{\Q Yet he will be master over all the fruit of my labor

\par }{\Q for which I worked so wisely on earth!

\par }{\Q This also is futile!


\par }{\Q \VS{20}So I began to despair about all the fruit of my labor

\par }{\Q for which I worked so hard on earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill;

\par }{\Q however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance

\par }{\Q to someone else who did not work for it.

\par }{\Q This also is futile, and an awful injustice!


\par }{\SH Painful Days and Restless Nights
\par }
{\Q \VS{22}What does a man acquire from all his labor

\par }{\Q and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth?


\par }{\Q \VS{23}For all day long his work produces pain and frustration,

\par }{\Q and even at night his mind cannot relax!

\par }{\Q This also is futile!


\par }{\SH Enjoy Work and its Benefits
\par }
{\Q \VS{24}There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink,

\par }{\Q and to find enjoyment in their work.

\par }{\Q I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.


\par }{\Q \VS{25}For no one can eat and drink

\par }{\Q or experience joy apart from him.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy,

\par }{\Q but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth –

\par }{\Q only to give it to the one who pleases God.

\par }{\PP \par }
{\Q This task of the wicked is futile – like chasing the wind!




\par }\Chap{3}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}For everything there is an appointed time,

\par }{\Q and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}A time to be born, and a time to die;

\par }{\Q a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}A time to kill, and a time to heal;

\par }{\Q a time to break down, and a time to build up;


\par }{\Q \VS{4}A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

\par }{\Q a time to mourn, and a time to dance.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones;

\par }{\Q a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;


\par }{\Q \VS{6}A time to search, and a time to give something up as lost;

\par }{\Q a time to keep, and a time to throw away;


\par }{\Q \VS{7}A time to rip, and a time to sew;

\par }{\Q a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A time to love, and a time to hate;

\par }{\Q a time for war, and a time for peace.


\par }{\SH Man is Ignorant of God’s Timing
\par }
{\Q \VS{9}What benefit can a worker gain from his toil?


\par }{\Q \VS{10}I have observed the burden

\par }{\Q that God has given to people to keep them occupied.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time,

\par }{\Q but he has also placed ignorance in the human heart

\par }{\Q so that people cannot discover what God has ordained,

\par }{\Q from the beginning to the end of their lives.


\par }{\SH Enjoy Life in the Present
\par }
{\Q \VS{12}I have concluded that there is nothing better for people

\par }{\Q than to be happy and to enjoy

\par }{\Q themselves as long as they live,


\par }{\Q \VS{13}and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil,

\par }{\Q for these things are a gift from God.


\par }{\SH God’s Sovereignty
\par }
{\Q \VS{14}I also know that whatever God does will endure forever;

\par }{\Q nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken away from it.

\par }{\Q God has made it this way, so that men will fear him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Whatever exists now has already been, and whatever will be has already been;

\par }{\Q for God will seek to do again what has occurred in the past.


\par }{\SH The Problem of Injustice and Oppression
\par }
{\Q \VS{16}I saw something else on earth:

\par }{\Q In the place of justice, there was wickedness,

\par }{\Q and in the place of fairness, there was wickedness.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}I thought to myself, “God will judge both the righteous and the wicked;

\par }{\Q for there is an appropriate time for every activity,

\par }{\Q and there is a time of judgment for every deed.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}I also thought to myself, “It is for the sake of people,

\par }{\Q so God can clearly show them that they are like animals.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}For the fate of humans and the fate of animals are the same:

\par }{\Q As one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath.

\par }{\Q There is no advantage for humans over animals,

\par }{\Q for both are fleeting.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Both go to the same place,

\par }{\Q both come from the dust,

\par }{\Q and to dust both return.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Who really knows if the human spirit ascends upward,

\par }{\Q and the animal’s spirit descends into the earth?


\par }{\Q \VS{22}So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work,

\par }{\Q because that is their reward;

\par }{\Q for who can show them what the future holds?




\par }\Chap{4}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth.

\par }{\Q This is what I saw:

\par }{\Q The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them;

\par }{\Q no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}So I considered those who are dead and gone

\par }{\Q more fortunate than those who are still alive.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}But better than both is the one who has not been born

\par }{\Q and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.


\par }{\SH Labor Motivated by Envy
\par }
{\Q \VS{4}Then I considered all the skillful work that is done:

\par }{\Q Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another.

\par }{\Q This also is profitless – like chasing the wind.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}The fool folds his hands and does no work,

\par }{\Q so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Better is one handful with some rest

\par }{\Q than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.


\par }{\SH Labor Motivated by Greed
\par }
{\Q \VS{7}So I again considered another futile thing on earth:


\par }{\Q \VS{8}A man who is all alone with no companion,

\par }{\Q he has no children nor siblings;

\par }{\Q yet there is no end to all his toil,

\par }{\Q and he is never satisfied with riches.

\par }{\Q He laments, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?”

\par }{\Q This also is futile and a burdensome task!


\par }{\SH Labor is Beneficial When Its Rewards Are Shared
\par }
{\Q \VS{9}Two people are better than one,

\par }{\Q because they can reap more benefit from their labor.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}For if they fall, one will help his companion up,

\par }{\Q but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm,

\par }{\Q but how can one person keep warm by himself?


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Although an assailant may overpower one person,

\par }{\Q two can withstand him.

\par }{\Q Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.


\par }{\SH Labor Motivated by Prestige-Seeking
\par }
{\Q \VS{13}A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king

\par }{\Q who no longer knows how to receive advice.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}For he came out of prison to become king,

\par }{\Q even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}I considered all the living who walk on earth,

\par }{\Q as well as the successor who would arise in his place.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations,

\par }{\Q yet future generations will not rejoice in him.

\par }{\Q This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.




\par }\Chap{5}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Be careful what you do when you go to the temple of God;

\par }{\Q draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice like fools,

\par }{\Q for they do not realize that they are doing wrong.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God,

\par }{\Q for God is in heaven and you are on earth!

\par }{\Q Therefore, let your words be few.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Just as dreams come when there are many cares,

\par }{\Q so the rash vow of a fool occurs when there are many words.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it.

\par }{\Q For God takes no pleasure in fools:

\par }{\Q Pay what you vow!


\par }{\Q \VS{5}It is better for you not to vow

\par }{\Q than to vow and not pay it.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Do not let your mouth cause you to sin,

\par }{\Q and do not tell the priest, “It was a mistake!”

\par }{\Q Why make God angry at you

\par }{\Q so that he would destroy the work of your hands?”


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Just as there is futility in many dreams,

\par }{\Q so also in many words.

\par }{\Q Therefore, fear God!


\par }{\SH Government Corruption
\par }
{\Q \VS{8}If you see the extortion of the poor,

\par }{\Q or the perversion of justice and fairness in the government,

\par }{\Q do not be astonished by the matter.

\par }{\Q For the high official is watched by a higher official,

\par }{\Q and there are higher ones over them!


\par }{\Q \VS{9}The produce of the land is seized by all of them,

\par }{\Q even the king is served by the fields.


\par }{\SH Covetousness
\par }
{\Q \VS{10}The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money,

\par }{\Q he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income.

\par }{\Q This also is futile.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}When someone’s prosperity increases, those who consume it also increase;

\par }{\Q so what does its owner gain, except that he gets to see it with his eyes?


\par }{\Q \VS{12}The sleep of the laborer is pleasant – whether he eats little or much –

\par }{\Q but the wealth of the rich will not allow him to sleep.


\par }{\SH Materialism Thwarts Enjoyment of Life
\par }
{\Q \VS{13}Here is a misfortune on earth that I have seen:

\par }{\Q Wealth hoarded by its owner to his own misery.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Then that wealth was lost through bad luck;

\par }{\Q although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}Just as he came forth from his mother's womb, naked will he return as he came,

\par }{\Q and he will take nothing in his hand that he may carry away from his toil.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}This is another misfortune:

\par }{\Q Just as he came, so will he go.

\par }{\Q What did he gain from toiling for the wind?


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life,

\par }{\Q and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.


\par }{\SH Enjoy the Fruit of Your Labor
\par }
{\Q \VS{18}I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people:

\par }{\Q to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth

\par }{\Q during the few days of their life which God has given them,

\par }{\Q for this is their reward.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions,

\par }{\Q he has also given him the ability

\par }{\Q to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil;

\par }{\Q these things are the gift of God.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life

\par }{\Q because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.




\par }\Chap{6}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth,

\par }{\Q and it weighs heavily on people:


\par }{\Q \VS{2}God gives a man riches, property, and wealth

\par }{\Q so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires,

\par }{\Q yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor –

\par }{\Q instead, someone else enjoys it!

\par }{\Q This is fruitless and a grave misfortune.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Even if a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years –

\par }{\Q even if he lives a long, long time, but cannot enjoy his prosperity –

\par }{\Q even if he were to live forever –

\par }{\Q I would say, “A stillborn child is better off than he is!”


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness,

\par }{\Q though its name is shrouded in darkness,


\par }{\Q \VS{5}though it never saw the light of day nor knew anything,

\par }{\Q yet it has more rest than that man –


\par }{\Q \VS{6}if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity.

\par }{\Q For both of them die!


\par }{\Q \VS{7}All of man’s labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach –

\par }{\Q yet his appetite is never satisfied!


\par }{\PP \par }
{\Q \VS{8}So what advantage does a wise man have over a fool?

\par }{\Q And what advantage does a pauper gain by knowing how to survive?


\par }{\Q \VS{9}It is better to be content with what the eyes can see

\par }{\Q than for one’s heart always to crave more.

\par }{\Q This continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind.


\par }{\SH The Futile Way Life Works
\par }
{\Q \VS{10}Whatever has happened was foreordained,

\par }{\Q and what happens to a person was also foreknown.

\par }{\Q It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate

\par }{\Q because God is more powerful than he is.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes.

\par }{\Q How does that benefit him?


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For no one knows what is best for a person during his life –

\par }{\Q during the few days of his fleeting life –

\par }{\Q for they pass away like a shadow.

\par }{\Q Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.




\par }\Chap{7}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}A good reputation is better than precious perfume;

\par }{\Q likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}It is better to go to a funeral

\par }{\Q than a feast.

\par }{\Q For death is the destiny of every person,

\par }{\Q and the living should take this to heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Sorrow is better than laughter,

\par }{\Q because sober reflection is good for the heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

\par }{\Q but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.


\par }{\SH Frivolous Living Versus Wisdom
\par }
{\Q \VS{5}It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise

\par }{\Q than to listen to the song of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot,

\par }{\Q so is the laughter of the fool.

\par }{\Q This kind of folly also is useless.


\par }{\SH Human Wisdom Overturned by Adversity
\par }
{\Q \VS{7}Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool;

\par }{\Q likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}The end of a matter is better than its beginning;

\par }{\Q likewise, patience is better than pride.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Do not let yourself be quickly provoked,

\par }{\Q for anger resides in the lap of fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?”

\par }{\Q for it is not wise to ask that.


\par }{\SH Wisdom Can Lengthen One’s Life
\par }
{\Q \VS{11}Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing;

\par }{\Q it benefits those who see the light of day.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}For wisdom provides protection,

\par }{\Q just as money provides protection.

\par }{\Q But the advantage of knowledge is this:

\par }{\Q Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.


\par }{\SH Wisdom Acknowledges God’s Orchestration of Life
\par }
{\Q \VS{13}Consider the work of God:

\par }{\Q For who can make straight what he has bent?


\par }{\Q \VS{14}In times of prosperity be joyful,

\par }{\Q but in times of adversity consider this:

\par }{\Q God has made one as well as the other,

\par }{\Q so that no one can discover what the future holds.


\par }{\SH Exceptions to the Law of Retribution
\par }
{\Q \VS{15}During the days of my fleeting life I have seen both of these things:

\par }{\Q Sometimes a righteous person dies prematurely in spite of his righteousness,

\par }{\Q and sometimes a wicked person lives long in spite of his evil deeds.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}So do not be excessively righteous or excessively wise;

\par }{\Q otherwise you might be disappointed.


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool;

\par }{\Q otherwise you might die before your time.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning;

\par }{\Q for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.


\par }{\SH Wisdom Needed Because No One is Truly Righteous
\par }
{\Q \VS{19}Wisdom gives a wise person more protection

\par }{\Q than ten rulers in a city.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}For there is not one truly righteous person on the earth

\par }{\Q who continually does good and never sins.


\par }{\Q \VS{21}Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say;

\par }{\Q otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.


\par }{\Q \VS{22}For you know in your own heart

\par }{\Q that you also have cursed others many times.


\par }{\SH Human Wisdom is Limited
\par }
{\Q \VS{23}I have examined all this by wisdom;

\par }{\Q I said, “I am determined to comprehend this” – but it was beyond my grasp.


\par }{\Q \VS{24}Whatever has happened is beyond human understanding;

\par }{\Q it is far deeper than anyone can fathom.


\par }{\SH True Righteousness and Wisdom are Virtually Nonexistent
\par }
{\Q \VS{25}I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend

\par }{\Q the role of wisdom in the scheme of things,

\par }{\Q and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.


\par }{\Q \VS{26}I discovered this:

\par }{\Q More bitter than death is the kind of woman who is like a hunter’s snare;

\par }{\Q her heart is like a hunter’s net and her hands are like prison chains.

\par }{\Q The man who pleases God escapes her,

\par }{\Q but the sinner is captured by her.


\par }{\Q \VS{27}The Teacher says:

\par }{\Q I discovered this while trying to discover the scheme of things, item by item.


\par }{\Q \VS{28}What I have continually sought, I have not found;

\par }{\Q I have found only one upright man among a thousand,

\par }{\Q but I have not found one upright woman among all of them.


\par }{\Q \VS{29}This alone have I discovered: God made humankind upright,

\par }{\Q but they have sought many evil schemes.




\par }\Chap{8}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Who is a wise person? Who knows the solution to a problem?

\par }{\Q A person’s wisdom brightens his appearance, and softens his harsh countenance.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Obey the king’s command,

\par }{\Q because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant,

\par }{\Q for he can do whatever he pleases.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}Surely the king’s authority is absolute;

\par }{\Q no one can say to him, “What are you doing?”


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm,

\par }{\Q and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,

\par }{\Q for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}Surely no one knows the future,

\par }{\Q and no one can tell another person what will happen.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it,

\par }{\Q so no one has power over the day of his death.

\par }{\Q Just as no one can be discharged during the battle,

\par }{\Q so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this:

\par }{\Q Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm.


\par }{\SH Contradictions to the Law of Retribution
\par }
{\Q \VS{10}Not only that, but I have seen the wicked approaching and entering the temple,

\par }{\Q and as they left the holy temple, they

\par }{\Q boasted in the city that they had done so.

\par }{\Q This also is an enigma.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}When a sentence is not executed at once against a crime,

\par }{\Q the human heart is encouraged to do evil.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time,

\par }{\Q yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people – for they stand in fear before him.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}But it will not go well with the wicked,

\par }{\Q nor will they prolong their days like a shadow,

\par }{\Q because they do not stand in fear before God.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}Here is another enigma that occurs on earth:

\par }{\Q Sometimes there are righteous people who get what the wicked deserve,

\par }{\Q and sometimes there are wicked people who get what the righteous deserve.

\par }{\Q I said, “This also is an enigma.”


\par }{\SH Enjoy Life In Spite of Its Injustices
\par }
{\Q \VS{15}So I recommend the enjoyment of life,

\par }{\Q for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life.

\par }{\Q So joy will accompany him in his toil

\par }{\Q during the days of his life which God gives him on earth.


\par }{\SH Limitations of Human Wisdom
\par }
{\Q \VS{16}When I tried to gain wisdom

\par }{\Q and to observe the activity on earth –

\par }{\Q even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –


\par }{\Q \VS{17}then I discerned all that God has done:

\par }{\Q No one really comprehends what happens on earth.

\par }{\Q Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it.

\par }{\Q Even if a wise person claimed that he understood,

\par }{\Q he would not really comprehend it.




\par }\Chap{9}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}So I reflected on all this, attempting to clear it all up.

\par }{\Q I concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works, are in the hand of God;

\par }{\Q whether a person will be loved or hated –

\par }{\Q no one knows what lies ahead.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Everyone shares the same fate –

\par }{\Q the righteous and the wicked,

\par }{\Q the good and the bad,

\par }{\Q the ceremonially clean and unclean,

\par }{\Q those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.

\par }{\Q What happens to the good person, also happens to the sinner;

\par }{\Q what happens to those who make vows, also happens to those who are afraid to make vows.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}This is the unfortunate fact about everything that happens on earth:

\par }{\Q the same fate awaits everyone.

\par }{\Q In addition to this, the hearts of all people are full of evil,

\par }{\Q and there is folly in their hearts during their lives – then they die.


\par }{\SH Better to Be Poor but Alive than Rich but Dead
\par }
{\Q \VS{4}But whoever is among the living has hope;

\par }{\Q a live dog is better than a dead lion.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}For the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything;

\par }{\Q they have no further reward – and even the memory of them disappears.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}What they loved, as well as what they hated and envied, perished long ago,

\par }{\Q and they no longer have a part in anything that happens on earth.


\par }{\SH Life is Brief, so Cherish its Joys
\par }
{\Q \VS{7}Go, eat your food with joy,

\par }{\Q and drink your wine with a happy heart,

\par }{\Q because God has already approved your works.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}Let your clothes always be white,

\par }{\Q and do not spare precious ointment on your head.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life

\par }{\Q that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days;

\par }{\Q for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Whatever you find to do with your hands,

\par }{\Q do it with all your might,

\par }{\Q because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave,

\par }{\Q the place where you will eventually go.


\par }{\SH Wisdom Cannot Protect against Seemingly Chance Events
\par }
{\Q \VS{11}Again, I observed this on the earth:

\par }{\Q the race is not always won by the swiftest,

\par }{\Q the battle is not always won by the strongest;

\par }{\Q prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest,

\par }{\Q wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning,

\par }{\Q nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge –

\par }{\Q for time and chance may overcome them all.


\par }{\Q \VS{12}Surely, no one knows his appointed time!

\par }{\Q Like fish that are caught in a deadly net, and like birds that are caught in a snare –

\par }{\Q just like them, all people are ensnared at an unfortunate time that falls upon them suddenly.


\par }{\SH Most People Are Not Receptive to Wise Counsel
\par }
{\Q \VS{13}This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth,

\par }{\Q and it is a great burden to me:


\par }{\Q \VS{14}There was once a small city with a few men in it,

\par }{\Q and a mighty king attacked it, besieging it and building strong siege works against it.


\par }{\Q \VS{15}However, a poor but wise man lived in the city,

\par }{\Q and he could have delivered the city by his wisdom,

\par }{\Q but no one listened to that poor man.


\par }{\Q \VS{16}So I concluded that wisdom is better than might,

\par }{\Q but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens to his advice.


\par }{\SH Wisdom versus Fools, Sin, and Folly
\par }
{\Q \VS{17}The words of the wise are heard in quiet,

\par }{\Q more than the shouting of a ruler is heard among fools.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Wisdom is better than weapons of war,

\par }{\Q but one sinner can destroy much that is good.




\par }\Chap{10}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}One dead fly makes the perfumer’s ointment give off a rancid stench,

\par }{\Q so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom.


\par }{\SH Wisdom Can Be Nullified By the Caprice of Rulers
\par }
{\Q \VS{2}A wise person’s good sense protects him,

\par }{\Q but a fool’s lack of sense leaves him vulnerable.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense,

\par }{\Q and shows everyone what a fool he is.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position,

\par }{\Q for a calm response can undo great offenses.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}I have seen another misfortune on the earth:

\par }{\Q It is an error a ruler makes.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Fools are placed in many positions of authority,

\par }{\Q while wealthy men sit in lowly positions.


\par }{\Q \VS{7}I have seen slaves on horseback

\par }{\Q and princes walking on foot like slaves.


\par }{\SH Wisdom is Needed to Avert Dangers in Everyday Life
\par }
{\Q \VS{8}One who digs a pit may fall into it,

\par }{\Q and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.


\par }{\Q \VS{9}One who quarries stones may be injured by them;

\par }{\Q one who splits logs may be endangered by them.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge,

\par }{\Q he must exert a great deal of effort;

\par }{\Q so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}If the snake should bite before it is charmed,

\par }{\Q the snake charmer is in trouble.


\par }{\SH Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools
\par }
{\Q \VS{12}The words of a wise person win him favor,

\par }{\Q but the words of a fool are self-destructive.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}At the beginning his words are foolish

\par }{\Q and at the end his talk is wicked madness,


\par }{\Q \VS{14}yet a fool keeps on babbling.

\par }{\Q No one knows what will happen;

\par }{\Q who can tell him what will happen in the future?


\par }{\Q \VS{15}The toil of a stupid fool wears him out,

\par }{\Q because he does not even know the way to the city.


\par }{\SH The Problem with Foolish Rulers
\par }
{\Q \VS{16}Woe to you, O land, when your king is childish,

\par }{\Q and your princes feast in the morning!


\par }{\Q \VS{17}Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobility,

\par }{\Q and your princes feast at the proper time – with self-control and not in drunkenness.


\par }{\Q \VS{18}Because of laziness the roof caves in,

\par }{\Q and because of idle hands the house leaks.


\par }{\Q \VS{19}Feasts are made for laughter,

\par }{\Q and wine makes life merry,

\par }{\Q but money is the answer for everything.


\par }{\Q \VS{20}Do not curse a king even in your thoughts,

\par }{\Q and do not curse the rich while in your bedroom;

\par }{\Q for a bird might report what you are thinking,

\par }{\Q or some winged creature might repeat your words.




\par }\Chap{11}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}Send your grain overseas,

\par }{\Q for after many days you will get a return.


\par }{\Q \VS{2}Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments,

\par }{\Q for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth.


\par }{\Q \VS{3}If the clouds are full of rain, they will empty themselves on the earth,

\par }{\Q and whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, the tree will lie wherever it falls.


\par }{\Q \VS{4}He who watches the wind will not sow,

\par }{\Q and he who observes the clouds will not reap.


\par }{\Q \VS{5}Just as you do not know the path of the wind,

\par }{\Q or how the bones form in the womb of a pregnant woman,

\par }{\Q so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.


\par }{\Q \VS{6}Sow your seed in the morning,

\par }{\Q and do not stop working until the evening;

\par }{\Q for you do not know which activity will succeed –

\par }{\Q whether this one or that one, or whether both will prosper equally.


\par }{\SH Life Should Be Enjoyed Because Death is Inevitable
\par }
{\Q \VS{7}Light is sweet,

\par }{\Q and it is pleasant for a person to see the sun.


\par }{\Q \VS{8}So, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all,

\par }{\Q but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many – all that is about to come is obscure.


\par }{\SH Enjoy Life to the Fullest under the Fear of God
\par }
{\Q \VS{9}Rejoice, young man, while you are young,

\par }{\Q and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.

\par }{\Q Follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes,

\par }{\Q but know that God will judge your motives and actions.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}Banish emotional stress from your mind.

\par }{\Q and put away pain from your body;

\par }{\Q for youth and the prime of life are fleeting.




\par }\Chap{12}{\PP \par }
{\Q \VerseOne{1}So remember your Creator in the days of your youth –

\par }{\Q before the difficult days come,

\par }{\Q and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;


\par }{\Q \VS{2}before the sun and the light of the moon and the stars grow dark,

\par }{\Q and the clouds disappear after the rain;


\par }{\Q \VS{3}when those who keep watch over the house begin to tremble,

\par }{\Q and the virile men begin to stoop over,

\par }{\Q and the grinders begin to cease because they grow few,

\par }{\Q and those who look through the windows grow dim,


\par }{\Q \VS{4}and the doors along the street are shut;

\par }{\Q when the sound of the grinding mill grows low,

\par }{\Q and one is awakened by the sound of a bird,

\par }{\Q and all their songs grow faint,


\par }{\Q \VS{5}and they are afraid of heights and the dangers in the street;

\par }{\Q the almond blossoms grow white,

\par }{\Q and the grasshopper drags itself along,

\par }{\Q and the caper berry shrivels up –

\par }{\Q because man goes to his eternal home,

\par }{\Q and the mourners go about in the streets –


\par }{\Q \VS{6}before the silver cord is removed,

\par }{\Q or the golden bowl is broken,

\par }{\Q or the pitcher is shattered at the well,

\par }{\Q or the water wheel is broken at the cistern –


\par }{\Q \VS{7}and the dust returns to the earth as it was,

\par }{\Q and the life’s breath returns to God who gave it.


\par }{\SH Concluding Refrain: Qoheleth Restates His Thesis
\par }
{\Q \VS{8}“Absolutely futile!” laments the Teacher,

\par }{\Q “All of these things are futile!”


\par }{\SH Concluding Epilogue: Qoheleth’s Advice is Wise
\par }
{\Q \VS{9}Not only was the Teacher wise,

\par }{\Q but he also taught knowledge to the people;

\par }{\Q he carefully evaluated and arranged many proverbs.


\par }{\Q \VS{10}The Teacher sought to find delightful words,

\par }{\Q and to write accurately truthful sayings.


\par }{\Q \VS{11}The words of the sages are like prods,

\par }{\Q and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails;

\par }{\Q they are given by one shepherd.


\par }{\SH Concluding Exhortation: Fear God and Obey His Commands!
\par }
{\Q \VS{12}Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

\par }{\Q There is no end to the making of many books,

\par }{\Q and much study is exhausting to the body.


\par }{\Q \VS{13}Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion:

\par }{\Q Fear God and keep his commandments,

\par }{\Q because this is the whole duty of man.


\par }{\Q \VS{14}For God will evaluate every deed,

\par }{\PP including every secret thing, whether good or evil.


\par }