Study Desk

I used wisdom to test all these things. I wanted to be wise, but it was too hard for me.

I cannot understand why things are as they are. It is too hard for anyone to understand.

I studied and tried very hard to find wisdom, to find some meaning for everything. I learned that it is foolish to be evil, and it is crazy to act like a fool.

The Teacher says, "This is what I learned: I added all these things together to find some meaning for everything.

There is a right time and a right way for everything, yet people often have many troubles.

Though a sinner might do a hundred evil things and might live a long time, I know it will be better for those who honor God.

I also know it will not go well for evil people, because they do not honor God. Like a shadow, they will not last.

How terrible it is for a country whose king is a child and whose leaders eat all morning.

How lucky a country is whose king comes from a good family, whose leaders eat only at mealtime and for strength, not to get drunk.

Those who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds; those who look at every cloud will never harvest crops.

Young people, enjoy yourselves while you are young; be happy while you are young. Do whatever your heart desires, whatever you want to do. But remember that God will judge you for everything you do.

You will fear high places and will be afraid to go for a walk. Your hair will become white like the flowers on an almond tree. You will limp along like a grasshopper when you walk. Your appetite will be gone. Then you will go to your everlasting home, and people will go to your funeral.

The Teacher looked for just the right words to write what is dependable and true.

Tell me, you whom I love, where do you feed your sheep? Where do you let them rest at noon? Why should I look for you near your friend's sheep, like a woman who wears a veil?

We will make for you gold earrings with silver hooks.

Catch the foxes for us— the little foxes that ruin the vineyards while they are in blossom.

At night on my bed, I looked for the one I love; I looked for him, but I could not find him.

I got up and went around the city, in the streets and squares, looking for the one I love. I looked for him, but I could not find him.

These soldiers all carry swords and have been trained in war. Every man wears a sword at his side and is ready for the dangers of the night.

King Solomon had a couch made for himself of wood from Lebanon.