Study Desk

Who forsakes the close companion of her youthAnd forgets the covenant of her God;

So you will find favor and good insightIn the eyes of God and man.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Every word of God is tested;He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Lest I be full and deny You and say, "Who is Yahweh?"Or lest I be impoverished and steal,And profane the name of my God.

And I gave my heart to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous endeavor which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and have his soul see good in his labor. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.

For to a man who is good before Him, He has given wisdom and knowledge and gladness, while to the sinner He has given the endeavor of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good before God. This too is vanity and striving after wind.

I have seen the endeavor which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

moreover, that every man who eats and drinks and sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.

I know that everything God does will be forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it—God has so worked that men should fear Him.

That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, yet God seeks what is pursued.

I said in my heart, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man," for a time for every matter and for every work is there.

I said in my heart concerning the sons of men, "God is testing them in order for them to see that they are but beasts."

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.

Do not be hasty with your mouth or impulsive in your heart to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven but you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.

When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!

Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and wreak destruction on the work of your hands?

For in many dreams and vanities are many words. Rather, fear God.