Study Desk

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

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.

For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words.

For in many dreams and in many words there is futility. Rather, fear God.

For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a person?

Also, do not take seriously all the words which are spoken, so that you do not hear your servant cursing you,

So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are ignored.

The words of the wise heard in calm are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

Words from the mouth of a wise person are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him;

Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?

The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.

The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of these collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

Listen and hear my voice, Pay attention and hear my words.

Then you will be brought low; From the earth you will speak, And from the dust where you are prostrate Your words will come. Your voice will also be like that of a spirit from the ground, And your speech will whisper from the dust.

The entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed book, which, when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, "Please read this," he will say, "I cannot, because it is sealed."

Then the Lord said, "Because this people approaches Me with their words And honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of the commandment of men that is taught;

On that day those who are deaf will hear words of a book, And out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of those who are blind will see.

Who say to the seers, "You must not see visions"; And to the prophets, "You must not prophesy the truth to us. Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions.

Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster, And does not retract His words, But will arise against the house of evildoers, And against the help of the workers of injustice.

"I say, 'Your plan and strength for the war are only empty words.' Now on whom have you relied, that you have revolted against me?