Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 1 (BBT Translation)

1:1 The words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem: Introduction: Utter Futility 1:2 “Futile! Futile!” laments the Teacher, “Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!” Futility Illustrated from Nature 1:3 What benefit do people get from all the effort which they expend on earth? 1:4 A generation comes and a generation goes, but the earth remains the same through the ages. 1:5 The

Ecclesiastes 2 (BBT Translation)

Futility of Self-Indulgent Pleasure 2:1 I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile. 2:2 I said of partying, “It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!” 2:3 I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind

Ecclesiastes 4 (BBT Translation)

Evil Oppression on Earth 4:1 So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors. 4:2 So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive. 4:3

Ecclesiastes 6 (BBT Translation)

Not Everyone Enjoys Life 6:1 Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth, and it weighs heavily on people: 6:2 God gives a man riches, property, and wealth so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires, yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor – instead, someone else enjoys it! This is fruitless and

Ecclesiastes 7 (BBT Translation)

7:1 A good reputation is better than precious perfume; likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. 7:2 It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart. 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good

Ecclesiastes 8 (BBT Translation)

Human Government Demonstrates Limitations of Wisdom 8:1 Who is a wise person? Who knows the solution to a problem? A person’s wisdom brightens his appearance, and softens his harsh countenance. 8:2 Obey the king’s command, because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him. 8:3 Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do

Ecclesiastes 9 (BBT Translation)

Everyone Will Die 9:1 So I reflected on all this, attempting to clear it all up. I concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works, are in the hand of God; whether a person will be loved or hated – no one knows what lies ahead. 9:2 Everyone shares the same fate – the righteous and the

Ecclesiastes 10 (BBT Translation)

10:1 One dead fly makes the perfumer’s ointment give off a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom. Wisdom Can Be Nullified By the Caprice of Rulers 10:2 A wise person’s good sense protects him, but a fool’s lack of sense leaves him vulnerable. 10:3 Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows