Study Desk

It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools.

For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless.

Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these days?" for it is not wise to ask that.

For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Consider the work of God: For who can make straight what he has bent?

It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning; for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.

For there is not one truly righteous person on the earth who continually does good and never sins.

For you know in your own heart that you also have cursed others many times.

Do not rush out of the king's presence in haste—do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases.

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.

Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time, yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people—for they stand in fear before him.

So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life. So joy will accompany him in his toil during the days of his life which God gives him on earth.

For the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything; they have no further reward—and even the memory of them disappears.

Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.

Again, I observed this on the earth: the race is not always won by the swiftest, the battle is not always won by the strongest; prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest, wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning, nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge— for time and chance may overcome them all.

If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses.

Feasts are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.