Study Desk

I said to myself, “This happens so that God may test the children of Adam and they may see for themselves that they are like animals.”

For the fate of the children of Adam and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. People have no advantage over animals since everything is futile.

I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies?

There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “Who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself of good things?” This too is futile and a miserable task.

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.

For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.

For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong.

For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

As he came from his mother’s womb, so he will go again, naked as he came; he will take nothing for his efforts that he can carry in his hands.

This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does the one gain who struggles for the wind?

for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

God gives a person riches, wealth, and honor so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy.

For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness.

All of a person’s labor is for his stomach,yet the appetite is never satisfied.

What advantage then does the wise person have over the fool? What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others?

For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for mankind?

For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?

Grief is better than laughter,for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad.

for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot,so is the laughter of the fool.This too is futile.