Study Desk

Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who remains unaffected by its wisdom].

Like a [careless] archer who [shoots arrows wildly and] wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or those who [by chance just] pass by.

As the door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it].

So is the man who deceives his neighbor (acquaintance, friend) And then says, "Was I not joking?"

Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Like a bird that wanders from her nest [with its comfort and safety], So is a man who wanders from his home.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart.

As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].

As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man.

So that I will not be full and deny You and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or that I will not be poor and steal, And so profane the name of my God.

Surely the churning of milk produces butter, And wringing the nose produces blood; So the churning of anger produces strife.

That which has been is that which will be [again], And that which has been done is that which will be done again. So there is nothing new under the sun.

I said to myself, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure and gratification; so enjoy yourself and have a good time." But behold, this too was vanity (futility, meaninglessness).

So I became great and excelled more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

So I turned to consider [secular] wisdom, madness, and folly; for what will the man do who succeeds the king? Nothing except what has already been done.

Then I said to myself, "As it happens to the fool, so death will also happen to me. What use is it then for me to be extremely wise?" Then I said in my heart, "This too is vanity (meaningless)."

So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun caused me only great sorrow; because all is futility and chasing after the wind.

So I hated all the fruit (gain) of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will succeed me.

So I turned aside and let my heart despair over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.

For to the person who pleases Him God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who pleases God. This too is vanity and chasing after the wind.