Study Desk

When there is a person who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then gives his legacy to one who has not labored for it; this too is futility and a great evil.

For what does a person get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun?

I have seen the task which God has given the sons of mankind with which to occupy themselves.

There was a man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches, and he never asked, "And for whom do I labor and deprive myself of pleasure?" This too is futility, and it is an unhappy task.

There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them. Even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him; for this too is futility and striving after wind.

Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.

One who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor one who loves abundance with its income. This too is futility.

All his life he also eats in darkness with great irritation, sickness, and anger.

For he will not often call to mind the years of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however many they may be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things and he does not even have a proper burial, then I say, "Better the miscarriage than he,

Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with the one who is mightier than he is.

Wisdom along with an inheritance is good, And an advantage to those who see the sun.

It is good that you grasp one thing while not letting go of the other; for one who fears God comes out with both of them.

I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, "I will be wise," but wisdom was far from me.

Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.

Enjoy life with the wife whom you love all the days of your futile life which He has given you under the sun, all the days of your futility; for this is your reward in life and in your work which you have labored under the sun.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

there was a small city with few men in it, and a great king came to it, surrounded it, and constructed large siegeworks against it.

"May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is sweeter than wine.

"Do not stare at me because I am dark, For the sun has tanned me. My mother's sons were angry with me; They made me caretaker of the vineyards, But I have not taken care of my own vineyard.