Study Desk

Whatever is—it was already determined, what will be—it has already been decided. As for man, he cannot argue against what is more powerful than him.

For who knows what is good for a man in his life during the few days of his fleeting life, which are fleeting as a shadow? For who can tell anyone what will happen in the future under the sun?

Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for death is the end of every person, and the living should take it to his heart.

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

Better to listen to the rebuke of the wise than for a man to listen to the song of fools.

Do not be quick in your spirit 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 wisdom offers protection like money offers protection. But knowledge has an advantage—wisdom restores life to its possessor.

Consider the work of God. For who is able to make straight what he made crooked?

In the day of prosperity, rejoice! But in the day of adversity, consider! For God made one in place of another so that mortals cannot find out what will happen in the future.

It is good to take hold of the one and also must not let go of the other; for whoever fears God will hold both of them secure.

For your heart knows that you also have cursed others many times.

Do not be terrified of his presence! Go at once and do not delay when a matter is unpleasant, for he can do anything that he desires.

For there is a proper time and right procedure for every matter, even though the trouble of man weighs heavy upon him.

Although the sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will be good for those who fear God—because they fear his presence.

So I recommend enjoyment. For there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat and to drink and to rejoice. This will accompany him in his toil the days of his life that God gives to him under the sun.

For the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything. They no longer have a reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.

Go—eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart! For God already has approved your deeds.

Whatever your hand finds to do—do it with all your might; for in Sheol—where you are going—no one works, plans, knows, or thinks about anything.

I looked again and saw under the sun that the race does not belong to the swift, the battle does not belong to the mighty, food does not belong to the wise, wealth does not belong to the intelligent, and success does not belong to the skillful, for time and chance befalls all of them.