Study Desk

A smart son obeys the laws, but a son who spends time with worthless people brings shame to his father.

A son who loves wisdom makes his father happy. One who wastes his money on prostitutes will lose his wealth.

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be evil.

Who has ever gone up to heaven and come back down? Who gathered the winds in his hand? Who can gather up all the water in his lap? Who set the limits for the world? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Do you know?

Never say bad things about a slave to his master. If you do, he will curse you, and you will suffer for it.

a rooster walking proudly, a goat, and a king among his people.

God gave us the ability to think about his world, but we can never completely understand everything he does. And yet, he does everything at just the right time.

Even the king is a slave—his country owns him.

A man might live a long time and have 100 children. But if he is not satisfied with those good things, and if no one remembers him after his death, I say that a baby who dies at birth is better off than that man.

People will be safe if they obey his command. But wise people know the right time to do this, and they also know when to do the right thing.

There was a small town with a few people in it. A great king fought against that town and put his armies all around it.

But there was a wise man in that town. He was poor, but he used his wisdom to save his town. After everything was finished, the people forgot about the poor man.

The Teacher was very wise. He used his wisdom to teach the people. He very carefully studied and arranged many wise teachings.

Words from the wise are like sharp goads. When these sayings are written down and saved, they can be used to guide people, just as a shepherd uses a sharp stick to make his sheep go the right way.

Now, what should we learn from everything that is written in this book? The most important thing a person can do is to respect God and obey his commands, because he knows about everything people do—even the secret things. He knows about all the good and all the bad, and he will judge people for everything they do.

Take me with you. Let's run away. The king took me into his room. We will rejoice and be happy for you. Remember, your love is better than wine. With good reason, the young women love you.

The smell of my perfume reaches out to the king lying on his couch.

My lover, among other men, you are an apple tree among the wild trees in the forest! I enjoy sitting in my lover's shadow; his fruit is so sweet to my taste.

My lover took me to the wine house; his intent toward me was love.

My lover's left arm is under my head, and his right arm holds me.