Study Desk

"Gold and glass cannot equal wisdom, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

"No mention of coral and crystal can be made; For the possession of wisdom is even above [that of] rubies or pearls.

"God understands the way [to wisdom] And He knows its place [for wisdom is with God alone].

"For He looks to the ends of the earth And sees everything under the heavens.

When He made a limit for the rain And a way for the thunderbolt,

When my steps [through rich pastures] were washed with butter and cream [from my livestock], And the rock poured out for me streams of oil [from my olive groves].

"For when an ear heard [my name mentioned], it called me happy and fortunate; And when an eye saw [me], it testified for me [approvingly],

Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, And the orphan who had no helper.

"The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, And I made the widow's heart sing for joy.

"They listened to me and waited And kept silent for my counsel.

"They waited for me [and for my words] as for the rain, And they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.

"I chose a way for them and sat as chief, And dwelt as a king among his soldiers, As one who comforts mourners.

"For God has loosed His bowstring [attacking me] and [He has] afflicted and humbled me; They have cast off the bridle [of restraint] before me.

"I cry to You for help, [Lord,] but You do not answer me; I stand up, but You [only] gaze [indifferently] at me.

"For I know that You will bring me to death And to the house of meeting [appointed] for all the living.

"However, does not one falling in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand? Or in his disaster [will he not] therefore cry out for help?

"Did I not weep for one whose life was hard and filled with trouble? Was not my heart grieved for the needy?

"When I expected good, then came evil [to me]; And when I waited for light, then came darkness.

"I go about mourning without comfort [my skin blackened by disease, not by the heat of the sun]; I stand up in the assembly and cry out for help.

"Therefore my lyre (harp) is used for [the sound of] mourning, And my flute for the [sound of the] voices of those who weep.