Study Desk

For what more has the wise man than the fool? What does the poor man have, Who knows how to walk before the living?

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Whatever one is, he has been named already, For it is known that he is man; And he cannot contend with Him who is mightier than he.

For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?

Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.

For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?

It is good that you grasp this, And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who fears God will escape them all.

For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.

For many times, also, your own heart has known That even you have cursed others.

As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find it out?

I say, "Keep the king's commandment for the sake of your oath to God.

Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him."

Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, Though the misery of man increases greatly.

For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?