Study Desk

Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

Like a door that turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.

Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own.

so is a person who deceives his neighbor, and says, "Was I not only joking?"

Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife.

Like a bird that wanders from its nest, so is a person who wanders from his home.

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer anyone who taunts me.

As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.

As in water the face is reflected as a face, so a person's heart reflects the person.

As Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so the eyes of a person are never satisfied.

As the crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, so a person is proved by the praise he receives.

Like a roaring lion or a roving bear, so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

There is a generation whose eyes are so lofty, and whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully.

For as the churning of milk produces butter and as punching the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.

So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!

I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem, yet I maintained my objectivity:

I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort.

So I thought to myself, "The fate of the fool will happen even to me! Then what did I gain by becoming so excessively wise?" So I lamented to myself, "The benefits of wisdom are ultimately meaningless!"

So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile—like chasing the wind.