Study Desk

I also thought to myself, "It is for the sake of people, so God can clearly show them that they are like animals.

For the fate of humans and the fate of animals are the same: As one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath. There is no advantage for humans over animals, for both are fleeting.

So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work, because that is their reward; for who can show them what the future holds?

A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is futile and a burdensome task!

For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up.

For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

Be careful what you do when you go to the temple of God; draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice like fools, for they do not realize that they are doing wrong.

Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth! Therefore, let your words be few.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it. For God takes no pleasure in fools: Pay what you vow!

It is better for you not to vow than to vow and not pay it.

If you see the extortion of the poor, or the perversion of justice and fairness in the government, do not be astonished by the matter. For the high official is watched by a higher official, and there are higher ones over them!

This is another misfortune: Just as he came, so will he go. What did he gain from toiling for the wind?

I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward.

For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.

Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness,

if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die!

All of man's labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach— yet his appetite is never satisfied!

It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile—like chasing the wind.

Whatever has happened was foreordained, and what happens to a person was also foreknown. It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate because God is more powerful than he is.

For no one knows what is best for a person during his life— during the few days of his fleeting life— for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.