Study Desk

Say not, "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 preserves the life of him who has it.

It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand; for he who fears God shall come forth from them all.

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 supreme, and who may say to him, "What are you doing?"

For every matter has its time and way, although man's trouble lies heavy upon him.

For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?

And I commend enjoyment, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink, and enjoy himself, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of life which God gives him under the sun.

But he who is joined with all the living has 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; but the memory of them is lost.

Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and they have no more for ever any share in all that is done under the sun.

Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already approved what you do.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

For man does not know his time. Like fish which are taken in an evil net, and like birds which are caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.

If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for deference will make amends for great offenses.

Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of free men, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.

Even in your thought, do not curse the king, nor in your bedchamber curse the rich; for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.

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

Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what evil may happen on earth.