Study Desk

There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.

For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom.

There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.

For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool's voice is known by his many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed--

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.

And this also is a severe evil-- Just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind?

Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.

As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.

For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction.

for it comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

All the labor of man is for his mouth, And yet the soul is not satisfied.