Study Desk

As they came from their mother's womb, so they shall go again, naked as they came; they shall take nothing for their toil, which they may carry away with their hands.

This also is a grievous ill: just as they came, so shall they go; and what gain do they have from toiling for the wind?

This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot.

For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.

For it comes into vanity and goes into darkness, and in darkness its name is covered;

All human toil is for the mouth, yet the appetite is not satisfied.

For what advantage have the wise over fools? And what do the poor have who know how to conduct themselves before the living?

For who knows what is good for mortals while they live the few days of their vain life, which they pass like a shadow? For who can tell them what will be after them under the sun?

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for this is the end of everyone, and the living will lay it to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of countenance the heart is made glad.

For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools; this also is vanity.

Do not be quick to anger, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to the one who possesses it.

It is good that you should take hold of the one, without letting go of the other; for the one who fears God shall succeed with both.

Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases.

For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.

Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be?

So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat, and drink, and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them under the sun.