\id ECC - Christian Standard Bible® in English
\ide UTF-8
\rem Copyright © 2017-2020 by Holman Bible Publishers
\rem Language: English
\rem Text update February 2024
\toc3 Ec
\toc2 Ecclesiastes
\toc1 Ecclesiastes
\mt Ecclesiastes
\c 1
\s1 Everything Is Futile
\m
\v 1 The words of the Teacher,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft Or \fqa of Qoheleth\ft , or \fqa of the Leader of the Assembly\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Ec 1:12; 7:27; 12:8–10\+xt*\f* son of David, king in Jerusalem.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt 1Kg 2:12; Pr 1:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 “Absolute futility,” says~the~Teacher.
\q “Absolute futility. Everything is~futile.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft \+xt Ps 39:5–6; 62:9; 144:4; Ec 12:8; Rm 8:20\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 What does a person gain for~all his~efforts
\q that he labors at under~the~sun?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft \+xt Ec 2:11,22; 3:9; 5:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 A generation goes and~a~generation comes,
\q but the earth remains forever.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Ps 104:5; 119:90; 1Jn 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 The sun rises and~the~sun~sets;
\q panting, it hurries back to~the~place~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:5 \ft \+xt Ps 19:6\+xt*\f*
\q where it rises.
\q1
\v 6 Gusting to~the~south,
\q turning to~the~north,
\q turning, turning, goes~the~wind,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Ec 11:5; Jn 3:8\+xt*\f*
\q and the wind returns in~its~cycles.
\q1
\v 7 All the streams flow to~the~sea,
\q yet the sea is~never~full;
\q to~the~place where the streams~flow,
\q there they flow again.
\q1
\v 8 All things~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft Or \fqa words\f* are~wearisome,
\q more than anyone can~say.
\q The eye is not satisfied by~seeing~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft \+xt Pr 27:20; Ec 4:8\+xt*\f*
\q or the ear filled with~hearing.
\q1
\v 9 What has been is what~will~be,
\q and what has been done is what~will~be~done;
\q there is nothing new under~the~sun.
\q1
\v 10 Can one say about~anything,
\q “Look, this~is~new”?
\q It has already existed in~the~ages before~us.
\q1
\v 11 There is no remembrance of~those who~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:11 \ft Or \fqa of the things that\f*~came~before;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:11 \ft \+xt Dt 9:14; Ec 2:16; 9:5\+xt*\f*
\q and of those who~will~come~after
\q there will also be no~remembrance
\q by those who~follow~them.
\s1 The Limitations of Wisdom
\m
\v 12 I, the Teacher,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft \+xt Ec 1:1; 7:27; 12:8–10\+xt*\f* have been~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft Or \fqa Teacher, was\f* king over Israel in Jerusalem.
\v 13 I applied my mind to examine~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Ec 1:17\+xt*\f* and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:29–34; Ec 3:10–11; 7:25; 8:17\+xt*\f* God has given people~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft Or \fqa given the descendants of Adam\f* this miserable task to keep them occupied.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Gn 3:19; Ec 2:23,26; 3:10; 4:8\+xt*\f*
\v 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft Or \fqa a feeding on wind\ft , or \fqa an affliction of spirit\ft ; also in v.~17\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft \+xt Pr 27:16; Ec 2:11,17; 4:4; 6:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 What is crooked cannot be~straightened;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Ec 7:13\+xt*\f*
\q what is lacking cannot be~counted.
\b
\p
\v 16 I said to myself, “See, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft \+xt 1Kg 3:12; 4:30; 10:23; Ec 2:9\+xt*\f* and my mind has thoroughly grasped~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft Or \fqa discerned\f* wisdom and knowledge.”
\v 17 I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft \+xt Ec 1:13\+xt*\f* madness and folly;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft \+xt Ec 2:12; 7:25\+xt*\f* I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft \+xt Ec 2:11,17; 4:4,6,16; 6:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 For with much wisdom is much~sorrow;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:18 \ft \+xt Ec 2:23; 12:12\+xt*\f*
\q as knowledge increases, grief~increases.
\c 2
\s1 The Emptiness of Pleasure
\m
\v 1 I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft \+xt Ec 7:4; 8:15; Lk 12:19\+xt*\f* enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile.
\v 2 I said about laughter,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt Pr 14:13; Ec 7:3,6\+xt*\f* “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?~”
\v 3 I explored with my mind the pull of wine~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Ps 104:15; Ec 10:19\+xt*\f* on my body~#—~#my mind still guiding me with wisdom~— and how to grasp folly,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Ec 7:25\+xt*\f* until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft Two Hb mss, LXX, Syr read \fqa the sun\f* during the few days of their lives.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24; 3:12,13; 5:18; 8:15\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Emptiness of Possessions
\m
\v 4 I increased my achievements. I built houses~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt 1Kg 7:1–12\+xt*\f* and planted vineyards~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt Sg 8:11\+xt*\f* for myself.
\v 5 I made gardens~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:5 \ft \+xt Sg 4:16\+xt*\f* and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them.
\v 6 I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft \+xt Neh 2:14; 3:15–16\+xt*\f*
\v 7 I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft \+xt Gn 14:14; 15:3\+xt*\f* I also owned livestock~#—~#large herds and flocks~#—~#more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:23\+xt*\f*
\v 8 I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft \+xt 1Kg 9:28; 10:10,14,21\+xt*\f* I gathered male and female singers for myself,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft \+xt 2Sm 19:35\+xt*\f* and many concubines, the delights of men.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft LXX, Theod, Syr read \fqa and male cupbearers and female cupbearers\ft ; Aq, Tg, Vg read \fqa a cup and cups\ft ; Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft Or \fqa many treasures that people delight in\f*
\v 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:9 \ft \+xt 1Ch 29:25; Ec 1:16\+xt*\f* my wisdom also remained with me.
\v 10 All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt Ec 6:2\+xt*\f* I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt Ec 3:22; 5:18; 9:9\+xt*\f*
\v 11 When I considered all that I had accomplished~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft Lit \fqa all my works that my hands had done\f* and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft Or \fqa a feeding on wind\ft , or \fqa an affliction of spirit\ft ; also in vv.~17,26\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Ec 1:14; 2:22–23\+xt*\f* There was nothing to be gained under the sun.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Ec 1:3; 3:9; 5:16\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Relative Value of Wisdom
\m
\v 12 Then I turned to consider wisdom,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft \+xt Ec 1:17\+xt*\f* madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft Lit \fqa the man who comes after the king\f* be like? He~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft Some Hb mss read \fqa They\f* will do what has already been done.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft \+xt Ec 1:9–10; 3:15\+xt*\f*
\v 13 And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:13 \ft \+xt Ec 7:11–12,19; 9:18; 10:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 The wise person has~eyes in~his~head,
\q but the fool walks in~darkness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Pr 2:10–13; 1Jn 2:11\+xt*\f*
\m Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Ps 49:10; Ec 3:19; 6:6; 7:2; 9:2–3\+xt*\f*
\v 15 So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Ec 6:8,11; 7:16\+xt*\f* And I said to myself that this is also futile.
\v 16 For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:16 \ft \+xt Dt 32:26; 2Sm 18:18; Ec 1:11; 9:5\+xt*\f* since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool?
\v 17 Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
\s1 The Emptiness of Work
\m
\v 18 I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:18 \ft \+xt Ec 1:3; 2:11\+xt*\f* because I must leave it to the one who comes after me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:18 \ft \+xt Ps 39:6; 49:10; Pr 13:22\+xt*\f*
\v 19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:19 \ft \+xt Ezk 18:9–10\+xt*\f* Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile.
\v 20 So I began to give myself over~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:20 \ft Lit \fqa And I turned to cause my heart\f* to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun.
\v 21 When there is a person whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:21 \ft \+xt Ec 4:4\+xt*\f* and he must give his portion to a person who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong.
\v 22 For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:22 \ft \+xt Ec 1:3; 2:11\+xt*\f* that he labors at under the sun?
\v 23 For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:23 \ft \+xt Jb 5:7; 14:1\+xt*\f* even at night, his mind does not rest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:23 \ft \+xt Ps 127:2\+xt*\f* This too is futile.
\p
\v 24 There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 2:24 \ft Syr, Tg; MT reads \fqa There is no good in a person who eats and drinks and enjoys\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:24 \ft Lit \fqa and his soul sees good\f* his work.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:24 \ft \+xt Ec 2:3; 3:12–13,22; 5:18; 6:12; 8:15; 9:7; Is 56:12; Lk 12:19; 1Co 15:32; 1Tm 6:17\+xt*\f* I have seen that even this is from God’s hand,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:24 \ft \+xt Ec 3:13\+xt*\f*
\v 25 because who can eat and who can enjoy life~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 2:25 \ft LXX, Theod, Syr read \fqa can drink\f* apart from him?~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 2:25 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr read \fqa me\f*
\v 26 For to the person who is pleasing in his sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:26 \ft \+xt Jb 32:8; Pr 2:6\+xt*\f* but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:26 \ft \+xt Jb 27:16–17; Pr 13:22; 28:8\+xt*\f* This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:26 \ft \+xt Ec 1:14\+xt*\f*
\c 3
\s1 The Mystery of Time
\q1
\v 1 There is an~occasion for~everything,
\q and a time for~every~activity under~heaven:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:1 \ft \+xt Ec 3:17; 8:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 a time to~give~birth and~a~time to~die;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:2 \ft \+xt Jb 14:5; Heb 9:27\+xt*\f*
\q a time to~plant and~a~time to~uproot;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:2 \ft Lit \fqa uproot what is planted\f*
\q1
\v 3 a time to~kill and~a~time to~heal;
\q a time to~tear~down and~a~time to~build;
\q1
\v 4 a time to~weep and~a~time to~laugh;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft \+xt Rm 12:15\+xt*\f*
\q a time to~mourn and~a~time to~dance;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft \+xt Ex 15:20\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 a time to~throw~stones and~a~time to~gather~stones;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft \+xt 2Kg 3:19,25; Is 5:2\+xt*\f*
\q a time to~embrace and~a~time to~avoid~embracing;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft \+xt 1Co 7:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 a time to~search and~a~time to~count as~lost;
\q a time to~keep and~a~time to~throw~away;
\q1
\v 7 a time to~tear and~a~time to~sew;
\q a time to~be~silent and~a~time to~speak;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:7 \ft \+xt Am 5:13; 1Co 14:26–32\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 a time to~love and~a~time to~hate;
\q a time for~war and~a~time for~peace.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:8 \ft \+xt Mt 5:9; 10:34\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 9 What does the worker gain from his struggles?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:9 \ft \+xt Ec 1:3\+xt*\f*
\v 10 I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:10 \ft \+xt Ec 1:13; 2:26\+xt*\f*
\v 11 He has made everything appropriate~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:11 \ft Or \fqa beautiful\f* in its time.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:11 \ft \+xt Gn 1:31\+xt*\f* He has also put eternity in their hearts,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:11 \ft Or \fqa has put a sense of past and future into their minds\ft , or \fqa has placed ignorance in their hearts\f* but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:11 \ft \+xt Jb 5:9; Ec 7:23; 8:17; Rm 11:33\+xt*\f*
\v 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:12 \ft Lit \fqa his\f* good life.
\v 13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:13 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24; 5:19\+xt*\f*
\v 14 I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft \+xt Rv 22:18–19\+xt*\f* God works so that people will be in awe of him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft \+xt Ex 7:5; Ezk 36:23\+xt*\f*
\v 15 Whatever is, has already been,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:15 \ft \+xt Ec 1:9; 6:10\+xt*\f* and whatever will be, already is. However, God seeks justice for the persecuted.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:15 \ft Lit \fqa God seeks what is pursued\f*
\s1 The Mystery of Injustice and Death
\m
\v 16 I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:16 \ft \+xt Ec 4:1; 5:8; 8:9\+xt*\f*
\v 17 I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:17 \ft \+xt Ec 11:9; Mt 16:27; Rm 2:6–10; 2Th 1:6–9\+xt*\f* since there is a time for every activity and every work.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:17 \ft \+xt Ec 3:1\+xt*\f*
\v 18 I said to myself, “This happens so that God may test the children of Adam and they may see for themselves that they are like animals.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:18 \ft \+xt Ps 49:12,20; 73:22\+xt*\f*
\v 19 For the fate of the children of Adam and the fate of animals is the same.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:19 \ft \+xt Ec 9:12\+xt*\f* As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. People have no advantage over animals since everything is futile.
\v 20 All are going to the same place; all come from dust, and all return to dust.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:20 \ft \+xt Gn 3:19; Ec 12:7\+xt*\f*
\v 21 Who knows if the spirits of the children of Adam go upward and the spirits of animals go downward to the earth?
\v 22 I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:22 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24\+xt*\f* because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:22 \ft Lit \fqa after him\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:22 \ft \+xt Ec 2:18; 6:12; 8:7; 10:14\+xt*\f*
\c 4
\m
\v 1 Again, I observed all the acts of oppression being done under the sun.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft \+xt Jb 35:9; Ec 3:16; 5:8\+xt*\f* Look at the tears of those who are oppressed; they have no one to comfort them. Power is with those who oppress them; they have no one to comfort them.
\v 2 So I commended the dead,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt Jb 3:11–26\+xt*\f* who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive.
\v 3 But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Ec 6:3; Lk 23:29\+xt*\f* who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.
\s1 The Loneliness of Wealth
\m
\v 4 I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to one person’s jealousy of another.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt 1Sm 18:9; Ec 2:21; Ac 13:45; 2Co 12:20\+xt*\f* This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft Or \fqa a feeding on wind\ft , or \fqa an affliction of spirit\ft ; also in vv.~6,16\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt Ec 1:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 The fool folds his~arms~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft \+xt Pr 6:10; 24:33\+xt*\f*
\q and consumes his~own~flesh.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft \+xt Is 9:20\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Better one handful with~rest
\q than two handfuls with~effort and a pursuit of~the~wind.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:6 \ft \+xt Pr 15:16–17\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 7 Again, I saw futility under the sun:
\v 8 There is a person without a companion,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft Lit \fqa person, but there is not a second,\f* without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft \+xt Pr 27:20; Ec 1:8; 5:10\+xt*\f* “Who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself of good things?~” This too is futile and a miserable task.
\p
\v 9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
\v 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
\v 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:11 \ft \+xt 1Kg 1:1–4\+xt*\f*
\v 12 And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
\p
\v 13 Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:13 \ft \+xt Ec 9:15\+xt*\f*
\v 14 For he came from prison to be king,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:14 \ft \+xt Gn 41:14,41–43\+xt*\f* even though he was born poor in his kingdom.
\v 15 I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:15 \ft Lit \fqa with\f* a second youth who succeeds him.
\v 16 There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:16 \ft \+xt Ec 1:14\+xt*\f*
\c 5
\s1 Caution in God’s Presence
\m
\v 1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:1 \ft \+xt 1Sm 15:22; Mt 5:23–24\+xt*\f* for they ignorantly do wrong.
\v 2 Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:2 \ft \+xt Pr 10:19; Mt 6:7\+xt*\f*
\v 3 Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:3 \ft \+xt Jb 11:2\+xt*\f*
\v 4 When you make a vow to God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:4 \ft \+xt Nm 30:2; Dt 6:13; 23:21–22; Pr 20:25\+xt*\f* don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow.
\v 5 Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:5 \ft \+xt Pr 20:25; Mt 5:33–37; Ac 5:4; Jms 5:12\+xt*\f*
\v 6 Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft \+xt Jdg 11:30–31,34\+xt*\f* and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft \+xt Nm 15:25\+xt*\f* Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?
\v 7 For many dreams bring futility; so do many words.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft \+xt Ec 6:11\+xt*\f* Therefore, fear God.
\s1 The Realities of Wealth
\m
\v 8 If you see oppression of the poor~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:8 \ft \+xt Ec 4:1\+xt*\f* and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:8 \ft \+xt 1Pt 4:12\+xt*\f* because one official protects another official, and higher officials protect them.
\v 9 The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:9 \ft Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:9 \ft \+xt Pr 27:23–27\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 10 The one who loves silver is never satisfied with silver, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income. This too is futile.
\v 11 When good things increase, the ones who consume them multiply; what, then, is the profit to the owner, except to gaze at them with his eyes?
\v 12 The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich permits him no sleep.
\p
\v 13 There is a sickening tragedy I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft \+xt Ec 6:1–2\+xt*\f*
\v 14 That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed.
\v 15 As he came from his mother’s womb, so he will go again, naked as he came;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:15 \ft \+xt Jb 1:21\+xt*\f* he will take nothing for his efforts that he can carry in his hands.
\v 16 This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does the one gain~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Ec 1:3\+xt*\f* who struggles for the wind?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Pr 11:29\+xt*\f*
\v 17 What is more, he eats in darkness all his days,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:17 \ft \+xt Ps 127:2\+xt*\f* with much frustration, sickness, and anger.
\p
\v 18 Here is what I have seen to be good:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:18 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24\+xt*\f* It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:18 \ft \+xt Ec 2:10\+xt*\f*
\v 19 Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:19 \ft \+xt 2Ch 1:12\+xt*\f* he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:19 \ft \+xt Ec 6:2\+xt*\f* This is a gift of God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:19 \ft \+xt Ec 3:13\+xt*\f*
\v 20 for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.
\c 6
\nb
\v 1 Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft \+xt Ec 5:13\+xt*\f* and it weighs heavily on humanity:~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft Or \fqa it is common among men\f*
\v 2 God gives a person riches, wealth, and honor~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt 1Kg 3:13\+xt*\f* so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Ps 17:14; 73:7\+xt*\f* but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy.
\v 3 A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:3 \ft Lit \fqa how many years\f* if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:3 \ft \+xt Is 14:20; Jr 8:2; 22:19\+xt*\f* I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:3 \ft \+xt Jb 3:16; Ec 4:3\+xt*\f*
\v 4 For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness.
\v 5 Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he.
\v 6 And if a person lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?
\q1
\v 7 All of a person’s labor is for~his~stomach,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:7 \ft Lit \fqa mouth\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:7 \ft \+xt Pr 16:26\+xt*\f*
\q yet the appetite is never~satisfied.
\b
\p
\v 8 What advantage then does the wise person have over the fool?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:8 \ft \+xt Ec 2:15\+xt*\f* What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others?
\v 9 Better what the eyes see than wandering desire.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:9 \ft \+xt Ec 11:9\+xt*\f* This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:9 \ft Or \fqa a feeding on wind\ft , or \fqa an affliction of spirit\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:9 \ft \+xt Ec 1:14\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 10 Whatever exists was given its name long ago,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft Lit \fqa name already\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft \+xt Gn 2:19; Ec 1:9–10; 3:15\+xt*\f* and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft \+xt Jb 9:32; Is 45:9\+xt*\f*
\v 11 For when there are many words, they increase futility.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:11 \ft \+xt Pr 10:19; Mt 6:7\+xt*\f* What is the advantage for mankind?
\v 12 For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:12 \ft \+xt Ec 3:22\+xt*\f* Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?
\c 7
\s1 Wise Sayings
\q1
\v 1 A good name is~better than fine~perfume,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:1 \ft \+xt Pr 22:1; Ezk 36:21\+xt*\f*
\q and the day of~one’s~death is better than the~day of~one’s~birth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:1 \ft \+xt Ec 4:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 It is better to~go to~a~house of~mourning
\q than to go to~a~house of~feasting,
\q since that is the~end of~all~mankind,
\q and the living should take~it to~heart.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:2 \ft \+xt Ps 90:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 Grief is better than~laughter,
\q for when a face is~sad, a~heart may~be~glad.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:3 \ft \+xt Pr 14:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 The heart of~the~wise is in~a~house of~mourning,
\q but the heart of~fools is in~a~house of~pleasure.
\q1
\v 5 It is better to~listen to~rebuke from~a~wise~person
\q than to listen to~the~song of~fools,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:5 \ft \+xt Pr 13:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 for like the~crackling of~burning~thorns under~the~pot,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:6 \ft \+xt Ps 58:9; 118:12\+xt*\f*
\q so is the~laughter of~the~fool.
\q This too is~futile.
\q1
\v 7 Surely, the practice of~extortion turns a~wise~person into~a~fool,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:7 \ft \+xt Ec 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q and a bribe corrupts the~mind.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:7 \ft \+xt Dt 16:19; Pr 17:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 The end of~a~matter is~better than~its~beginning;
\q a patient spirit is~better than~a~proud~spirit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:8 \ft \+xt Pr 14:29\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 Don’t let your~spirit rush to~be~angry,
\q for anger abides in~the~heart of~fools.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:9 \ft \+xt Pr 14:17; Jms 1:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Don’t say, “Why were the~former~days better than~these?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:10 \ft \+xt Jdg 6:13\+xt*\f*
\q since it is not wise of~you to~ask~this.
\q1
\v 11 Wisdom is as~good as~an~inheritance
\q and an advantage to~those who~see the~sun,
\q1
\v 12 because wisdom is~protection as~silver is~protection;
\q but the advantage of~knowledge
\q is that wisdom preserves the~life of~its~owner.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:12 \ft \+xt Pr 3:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Consider the~work of~God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:13 \ft \+xt Ec 3:11\+xt*\f*
\q for who can straighten~out
\q what he has~made~crooked?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:13 \ft \+xt Ec 1:15\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:14 \ft \+xt Ec 3:22\+xt*\f* but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:14 \ft \+xt Lm 3:38\+xt*\f* so that no one can discover anything that will come after him.
\s1 Avoiding Extremes
\m
\v 15 In my futile life~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft Lit \fqa days\f* I have seen everything:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft \+xt Ec 6:12; 9:9\+xt*\f* someone righteous perishes in spite of his righteousness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft \+xt Ec 8:14\+xt*\f* and someone wicked lives long in spite of his evil.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft \+xt Ec 8:12–13\+xt*\f*
\v 16 Don’t be excessively righteous, and don’t be overly wise.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:16 \ft \+xt Ec 2:15; Rm 12:3\+xt*\f* Why should you destroy yourself?
\v 17 Don’t be excessively wicked, and don’t be foolish. Why should you die before your time?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:17 \ft \+xt Jb 22:16; Ps 55:23; Pr 10:27\+xt*\f*
\v 18 It is good that you grasp the one and do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them.
\q1
\v 19 Wisdom makes the~wise~person stronger
\q than ten rulers of~a~city.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:19 \ft \+xt Ec 9:13–18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 There is certainly no~one righteous~on~the~earth
\q who does good and~never~sins.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:20 \ft \+xt 1Kg 8:46; Rm 3:23\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 21 Don’t pay attention~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:21 \ft Lit \fqa Don’t give your heart\f* to everything people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:21 \ft \+xt Pr 30:10\+xt*\f*
\v 22 for in your heart you know that many times you yourself have cursed others.
\s1 What the Teacher Found
\m
\v 23 I have tested all this by wisdom. I resolved, “I will be wise,” but it was beyond me.
\v 24 What exists is beyond reach and very deep.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:24 \ft \+xt Rm 11:33\+xt*\f* Who can discover it?
\v 25 I turned my thoughts to know, explore, and examine wisdom~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:25 \ft \+xt Ec 1:15,17\+xt*\f* and an explanation for things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity and folly is madness.
\v 26 And I find more bitter than death~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:26 \ft \+xt Pr 5:4\+xt*\f* the woman who is a trap:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:26 \ft \+xt Pr 6:25\+xt*\f* her heart a net and her hands chains. The one who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner will be captured by her.
\v 27 “Look,” says the Teacher, “I have discovered this by adding one thing to another to find out the explanation,
\v 28 which my soul continually searches for but does not find: I found one person in a thousand, but none of those was a woman.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:28 \ft \+xt 1Kg 11:3\+xt*\f*
\v 29 Only see this: I have discovered that God made people upright,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:29 \ft \+xt Gn 1:27\+xt*\f* but they pursued many schemes.”
\c 8
\s1 Wisdom, Authorities, and Inequities
\m
\v 1 Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:1 \ft \+xt Dt 28:50\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 2 Keep~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 8:2 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg, Tg, Syr; other Hb mss read \fqa As for me, keep\f* the king’s command because of your oath made before God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:2 \ft \+xt Ex 22:11; 2Sm 21:7; Ezk 17:18\+xt*\f*
\v 3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:3 \ft \+xt Ec 10:4\+xt*\f* and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.
\v 4 For the king’s word is authoritative, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:4 \ft \+xt Jb 9:12; Dn 4:35\+xt*\f*
\v 5 The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:5 \ft \+xt Rm 13:3\+xt*\f* and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.
\v 6 For every activity there is a right time and procedure,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft \+xt Ec 3:1,17\+xt*\f* even though a person’s troubles are heavy on him.
\v 7 Yet no one knows what will happen~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:7 \ft \+xt Ec 3:22; 6:12; 9:12; 10:14\+xt*\f* because who can tell him what will happen?
\v 8 No one has authority over the wind~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft Or \fqa life-breath\f* to restrain it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft \+xt Ps 148:8; Pr 30:4; Mk 4:39\+xt*\f* and there is no authority over the day of death;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft \+xt Jn 10:18; 2Tm 1:10\+xt*\f* no one is discharged during battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape.
\v 9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one person has authority over another to his harm.
\p
\v 10 In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft \+xt Ec 9:5\+xt*\f* and they were praised~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX, Aq, Theod, Sym; other Hb mss read \fqa forgotten\f* in the city where they did those things. This too is futile.
\v 11 Because the sentence against an evil act is not carried out quickly,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:11 \ft \+xt Rm 2:4; 2Pt 3:9\+xt*\f* the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil.
\v 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:12 \ft \+xt Ec 7:15\+xt*\f* I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:12 \ft \+xt Dt 12:25; Ps 37:11; Pr 1:33; Is 3:10\+xt*\f* for they are reverent before him.
\v 13 However, it will not go well with the wicked,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft \+xt Is 3:11\+xt*\f* and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft \+xt Jb 14:2; Ec 6:12\+xt*\f* for they are not reverent before God.
\p
\v 14 There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft \+xt Ec 7:15\+xt*\f* and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft \+xt Jb 21:7; Ps 73:3; Jr 12:1\+xt*\f* I say that this too is futile.
\v 15 So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:15 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24\+xt*\f* for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.
\p
\v 16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:16 \ft \+xt Ec 1:13–14\+xt*\f* and to observe the activity that is done on the earth (even though one’s eyes do not close in sleep day or night),
\v 17 I observed all the work of God and concluded that a person is unable to discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a person labors hard to explore it, he cannot find it;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:17 \ft \+xt Ec 3:11; 7:25–29; 11:5\+xt*\f* even if a wise person claims to know it, he is unable to discover it.
\c 9
\s1 Enjoy Life Despite Death
\m
\v 1 Indeed, I took all this to heart and explained it all: The righteous, the wise, and their works are in God’s hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:1 \ft \+xt Dt 33:3\+xt*\f* People don’t know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them.
\v 2 Everything is the same for everyone:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:2 \ft \+xt Jb 9:22\+xt*\f* There is one fate for the righteous and the wicked,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:2 \ft \+xt Ec 2:14\+xt*\f* for the good and the bad,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 9:2 \ft LXX, Aq, Syr, Vg; MT omits \fqa and the bad\f* for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice. As it is for the good, so also it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who takes an oath, so also for the one who fears an oath.
\v 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: there is one fate for everyone. In addition, the hearts of people are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:3 \ft \+xt Ec 1:17\+xt*\f* after that they go to the dead.
\v 4 But there is hope for whoever is joined~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 9:4 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa chosen\f* with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion.
\v 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything. There is no longer a reward for them because the memory of them is forgotten.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:5 \ft \+xt Ec 2:16\+xt*\f*
\v 6 Their love, their hate, and their envy have already disappeared, and there is no longer a portion for them in all that is done under the sun.
\p
\v 7 Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:7 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24; 3:13; 5:18; 8:15\+xt*\f*
\v 8 Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:8 \ft \+xt Ps 23:5\+xt*\f*
\v 9 Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 9:9 \ft Or \fqa futile\f* life,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:9 \ft \+xt Ec 6:12; 7:15\+xt*\f* which has been given to you under the sun, all your fleeting days. For that is your portion in life and in your struggle~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:9 \ft \+xt Ec 2:10\+xt*\f* under the sun.
\v 10 Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:10 \ft \+xt Rm 12:11; Col 3:23\+xt*\f* because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:10 \ft \+xt Ec 9:5\+xt*\f* in Sheol where you are going.
\s1 The Limitations of Wisdom
\m
\v 11 Again I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:11 \ft \+xt Am 2:14–15\+xt*\f* or the battle to the strong,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:11 \ft \+xt 2Ch 20:15\+xt*\f* or bread to the wise, or riches to the discerning, or favor to the skillful; rather, time and chance happen to all of them.
\v 12 For certainly no one knows his time:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:12 \ft \+xt Ec 8:7\+xt*\f* like fish caught in a cruel net or like birds caught in a trap,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:12 \ft \+xt Pr 7:23\+xt*\f* so people are trapped in an evil time~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:12 \ft \+xt Pr 29:6\+xt*\f* as it suddenly falls on them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:12 \ft \+xt Lk 21:34–35\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 13 I have observed that this also is wisdom under the sun, and it is significant to me:
\v 14 There was a small city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it.
\v 15 Now a poor wise man was found in the city,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:15 \ft \+xt Ec 4:13\+xt*\f* and he delivered the city by his wisdom.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:15 \ft \+xt 2Sm 20:22\+xt*\f* Yet no one remembered that poor man.
\v 16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:16 \ft \+xt Ec 7:19\+xt*\f* but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
\q1
\v 17 The calm words of~the~wise are~heeded
\q more than the~shouts of~a~ruler over~fools.
\q1
\v 18 Wisdom is~better than~weapons of~war,
\q but one sinner can~destroy much~good.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:18 \ft \+xt Jos 7:1\+xt*\f*
\c 10
\s1 The Burden of Folly
\q1
\v 1 Dead flies make a~perfumer’s~oil ferment and~stink;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:1 \ft \+xt Ex 30:25\+xt*\f*
\q so a little folly outweighs wisdom and~honor.
\q1
\v 2 A wise person’s heart goes to~the~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 10:2 \ft Lit \fqa his\f*~right,
\q but a fool’s heart to~the~left.
\q1
\v 3 Even when the fool walks along~the~road, his~heart lacks~sense,
\q and he shows everyone he~is a~fool.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:3 \ft \+xt Pr 13:16; 18:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 If the ruler’s anger rises against~you, don’t~leave your~post,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:4 \ft \+xt Ec 8:3\+xt*\f*
\q for calmness puts great~offenses to~rest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:4 \ft \+xt 1Sm 25:24–33; Pr 25:15\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, an error proceeding from the presence of the ruler:
\q1
\v 6 The fool is~appointed to~great~heights,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:6 \ft \+xt Est 3:1; Pr 28:12; 29:2\+xt*\f*
\q but the rich remain in~lowly~positions.
\q1
\v 7 I have seen slaves on~horses,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:7 \ft \+xt Pr 19:10\+xt*\f*
\q but princes walking on~the~ground like~slaves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:7 \ft \+xt Est 6:8–10\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 The one who~digs a~pit may~fall into~it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:8 \ft \+xt Ps 7:15\+xt*\f*
\q and the one who~breaks through~a~wall may~be~bitten by~a~snake.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:8 \ft \+xt Am 5:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 The one who~quarries stones may~be~hurt by~them;
\q the one who~splits logs may~be~endangered by~them.
\q1
\v 10 If the ax is~dull, and~one does~not sharpen its~edge,
\q then one must exert more~strength;
\q however, the advantage of~wisdom is that it~brings~success.
\q1
\v 11 If the snake bites before it~is~charmed,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:11 \ft \+xt Jr 8:17\+xt*\f*
\q then there is no~advantage for~the~charmer.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 10:11 \ft Lit \fqa master of the tongue\f*
\q1
\v 12 The words from~the~mouth of~a~wise~person are~gracious,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:12 \ft \+xt Pr 10:32; 22:11; Lk 4:22\+xt*\f*
\q but the lips of~a~fool consume~him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:12 \ft \+xt Pr 18:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 The beginning of~the~words from~his~mouth is~folly,
\q but the end of~his~speaking is~evil~madness;
\q1
\v 14 yet the fool multiplies words.
\q No one knows what~will~happen,
\q and who can tell anyone what~will~happen after~him?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:14 \ft \+xt Ec 8:7,17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 The struggles of~fools weary~them,
\q for they don’t know how to~go to~the~city.
\q1
\v 16 Woe to you, land, when~your~king is a~youth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:16 \ft \+xt Pr 30:21–22; Is 3:4,12\+xt*\f*
\q and your princes feast in~the~morning.
\q1
\v 17 Blessed are you, land, when~your~king is a~son of~nobles
\q and your princes feast at~the~proper~time~—
\q for strength and~not for~drunkenness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:17 \ft \+xt Pr 31:4; Is 5:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 Because of laziness the~roof caves~in,
\q and because of negligent~hands the~house~leaks.
\q1
\v 19 A feast is~prepared for~laughter,
\q and wine makes life happy,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:19 \ft \+xt Ps 104:15\+xt*\f*
\q and money~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 10:19 \ft Lit \fqa silver\f* is the~answer for~everything.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:19 \ft \+xt Ec 7:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 Do not curse the~king even~in~your~thoughts,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:20 \ft \+xt Ex 22:28\+xt*\f*
\q and do not curse a~rich~person even~in~your~bedroom,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:20 \ft \+xt 2Kg 6:12; Lk 12:3\+xt*\f*
\q for a bird of~the~sky may~carry the~message,
\q and a winged creature may~report the~matter.
\c 11
\s1 Invest in Life
\q1
\v 1 Send your bread on~the~surface of~the~water,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:1 \ft \+xt Dt 15:10; Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Gl 6:9–10; Heb 6:10\+xt*\f*
\q for after many~days you~may~find~it.
\q1
\v 2 Give a portion to~seven or~even to~eight,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:2 \ft \+xt Ps 112:9; Mt 5:42; Lk 6:30; 1Tm 6:18–19\+xt*\f*
\q for you don’t know what~disaster may~happen on~earth.
\q1
\v 3 If the clouds are full, they~will~pour~out rain on~the~earth;
\q whether a tree falls to~the~south or~the~north,
\q the place where the~tree~falls, there~it~will~lie.
\q1
\v 4 One who watches the~wind will~not~sow,
\q and the one who~looks at~the~clouds will~not~reap.
\q1
\v 5 Just as you~don’t~know the~path of~the~wind,
\q or how bones develop in~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 11:5 \ft Or \fqa know how the life-breath comes to the bones in\f*~the~womb of~a~pregnant~woman,
\q so also you don’t know the~work of~God who~makes everything.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:5 \ft \+xt Jb 10:10–11; Ps 139:14–16; Is 55:9; Jn 3:6–8; Rm 11:33\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 In the morning sow your~seed,
\q and at evening do~not~let your~hand~rest,
\q because you~don’t~know which~will~succeed,
\q whether one or~the~other,
\q or if both of~them will~be equally~good.
\q1
\v 7 Light is~sweet,
\q and it is pleasing for~the~eyes to~see the~sun.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:7 \ft \+xt Ec 6:5; 7:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 Indeed, if someone lives many~years,
\q let him rejoice in~them~all,
\q and let him remember the~days of~darkness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:8 \ft \+xt Ec 12:1\+xt*\f* since~they will~be~many.
\q All that comes is~futile.
\q1
\v 9 Rejoice, young~person, while~you~are~young,
\q and let your heart be~glad in~the~days of~your~youth.
\q And walk in~the~ways of~your~heart
\q and in~the~desire of~your~eyes;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:9 \ft \+xt Ec 2:24; 3:12–13,22; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7–9\+xt*\f*
\q but know that for~all of~these~things God~will~bring you to~judgment.
\q1
\v 10 Remove sorrow from~your~heart,
\q and put away pain from~your~flesh,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:10 \ft \+xt 2Co 7:1; 2Tm 2:22\+xt*\f*
\q because youth and~the~prime of~life are~fleeting.
\c 12
\s1 The Twilight of Life
\m
\v 1 So remember your Creator in the days of your youth:
\q Before the days of~adversity come,
\q and the years approach when~you~will~say,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:1 \ft \+xt Ec 11:8\+xt*\f*
\q “I have no~delight in~them”;
\q1
\v 2 before the sun and~the~light are~darkened,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:2 \ft \+xt Is 5:30; Ezk 32:7–8\+xt*\f*
\q and the moon and~the~stars,
\q and the clouds return after~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 12:2 \ft Or \fqa with\f*~the~rain;
\q1
\v 3 on the day when~the~guardians of~the~house tremble,
\q and the strong men stoop,
\q the women who~grind grain cease because they~are~few,
\q and~the~ones who~watch through~the~windows see~dimly,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:3 \ft \+xt Gn 27:1; 48:10; 1Sm 3:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 the~doors at~the~street are~shut
\q while~the~sound of~the~mill fades;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:4 \ft \+xt Jr 25:10; Rv 18:22\+xt*\f*
\q when one rises at~the~sound of~a~bird,
\q and all the daughters of~song grow~faint.
\q1
\v 5 Also, they~are~afraid of~heights and~dangers on~the~road;
\q the almond tree blossoms,
\q the grasshopper loses its~spring,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 12:5 \ft Or \fqa grasshopper is weighed down\ft , or \fqa grasshopper drags itself along\f*
\q and the caper berry has no~effect;
\q for the mere mortal is headed to~his~eternal~home,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:5 \ft \+xt Jb 17:13; 30:23\+xt*\f*
\q and mourners will~walk around in~the~street;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:5 \ft \+xt Jr 9:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 before the silver cord is~snapped,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 12:6 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa removed\f*
\q and the gold bowl is~broken,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:6 \ft \+xt Zch 4:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q and the jar is~shattered at~the~spring,
\q and the wheel is~broken into~the~well;
\q1
\v 7 and the dust returns to~the~earth as~it~once~was,
\q and the spirit returns to~God who~gave~it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:7 \ft \+xt Gn 2:7; 3:19; Ec 3:21\+xt*\f*
\m
\v 8 “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:8 \ft \+xt Ec 1:2\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Teacher’s Objectives and Conclusion
\m
\v 9 In addition to the Teacher being a wise man, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:9 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:32; Pr 1:1\+xt*\f*
\v 10 The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately.
\v 11 The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:11 \ft \+xt Pr 1:6; 22:17\+xt*\f* and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:11 \ft \+xt Ezr 9:8; Is 22:23\+xt*\f* The sayings are given by one Shepherd.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 12:11 \ft Or \fqa by a shepherd\f*
\p
\v 12 But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:12 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:32–33; Jn 21:25\+xt*\f* and much study wearies the body.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:12 \ft \+xt Ec 1:18\+xt*\f*
\v 13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:13 \ft \+xt Pr 1:7; Ec 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12–13\+xt*\f* and keep his commands, because this is for all~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 12:13 \ft Or \fqa is the whole duty of\f* humanity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:13 \ft \+xt Ps 97:5; Ac 4:12; Rm 10:12\+xt*\f*
\v 14 For God will bring every act to judgment,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:14 \ft \+xt Ec 3:17; 11:9; Rv 20:12\+xt*\f* including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
