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
Rash Vows 5:1 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. 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God
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
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
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
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
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
Ignorance of the Future Demands Diligence in the Present 11:1 Send your grain overseas, for after many days you will get a return. 11:2 Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments, for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth. 11:3 If the clouds are full of rain, they will empty themselves on the earth, and whether
Fear God Now Because Old Age and Death Come Quickly 12:1 So remember your Creator in the days of your youth – before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 12:2 before the sun and the light of the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds
The Song of Songs 1:1 Solomon’s Most Excellent Love Song. The Desire for Love The Beloved to Her Lover: 1:2 Oh, how I wish you would kiss me passionately! For your lovemaking is more delightful than wine. 1:3 The fragrance of your colognes is delightful; your name is like the finest perfume. No wonder the young women adore you! 1:4 Draw me after you; let