Study Desk

So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.

For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them.

But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.

Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them.

Dead flies putrefy [fn] the perfumer's ointment,And cause it to give off a foul odor;So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

The labor of fools wearies them, For they do not even know how to go to the city!

Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, And your princes feast at the proper time-- For strength and not for drunkenness!

A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.

Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.

Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.

In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good.

Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;

But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.