Study Desk

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

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?

In my futile life I have seen everything: someone righteous perishes in spite of his righteousness, and someone wicked lives long in spite of his evil.

Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.

Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.

All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one person has authority over another to his harm.

Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before him.

So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.

For certainly no one knows his time: like fish caught in a cruel net or like birds caught in a trap, so people are trapped in an evil time as it suddenly falls on them.

Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”

Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense,and he shows everyone he is a fool.

The beginning of the words from his mouth is folly,but the end of his speaking is evil madness;

Also, they are afraid of heights and dangers on the road;the almond tree blossoms,the grasshopper loses its spring,and the caper berry has no effect;for the mere mortal is headed to his eternal home,and mourners will walk around in the street;

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.

Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!For your caresses are more delightful than wine.

Take me with you—let’s hurry.Oh, that the king would bring me to his chambers.

While the king is on his couch,my perfume releases its fragrance.

Like an apricot tree among the trees of the forest,so is my love among the young men.I delight to sit in his shade,and his fruit is sweet to my taste.

May his left hand be under my head,and his right arm embrace me.