Study Desk

For there shall be no remembrance of the wise no more than of the fool forever, and the times to come shall cover all things together with oblivion: the learned dieth in like manner as the unlearned.

For when a man laboureth in wisdom, and knowledge, and carefulness, he leaveth what he hath gotten to an idle man: so this also is vanity, and a great evil.

For what profit shall a man have of all his labour, and vexation of spirit, with which he hath been tormented under the sun?

For every man that eateth and drinketh, and seeth good of his labour, this is the gift of God.

I have learned that all the works which God hath made, continue for ever: we cannot add any thing, nor take away from those things which God hath made that he may be feared.

And I have found that nothing is better than for a man to rejoice in his work, and that this is his portion. For who shall bring him to know the things that shall be after him?

There is but one, and he hath not a second, no child, no brother, and yet he ceaseth not to labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches, neither doth he reflect, saying: For whom do I labour, and defraud my soul of good things? in this also is vanity, and a grievous vexation.

It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society:

If one fall he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to lift him up.

Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.

(4-17) Keep thy foot, when thou goest into the house of God, and draw nigh to hear. For much better is obedience, than the victims of fools, who know not what evil they do.

(5-1) Speak not any thing rashly, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

(5-3) If thou hast vowed any thing to God, defer not to pay it: for an unfaithful and foolish promise displeaseth him: but whatsoever thou hast vowed, pay it.

(5-7) If thou shalt see the oppressions of the poor, and violent judgments, and justice perverted in the province, wonder not at this matter: for he that is high hath another higher, and there are others still higher than these:

(5-13) For they are lost with very great affliction: he hath begotten a son, who shall be in extremity of want.

(5-15) A most deplorable evil: as he came, so shall he return. What then doth it profit him that he hath laboured for the wind?

(5-19) For he shall not much remember the days of his life, because God entertaineth his heart with delight.

For he came in vain, and goeth to darkness, and his name shall be wholly forgotten.

All the labour of man is for his mouth, but his soul shall not be filled.

For who [ [fn] limited to human wisdom] knows what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow [going through the motions but accomplishing nothing]? For who can tell a man what will happen [to his work, his treasure, his plans] under the sun after he is gone?