1

1 The words1697 of the Preacher,6953 the son1121 of David,1732 king4428 in Jerusalem.3389

2 Vanity1892 of vanities,1892 said559 the Preacher,6953 vanity1892 of vanities;1892 all3605 is vanity.1892

3 What4100 profit3504 has a man120 of all3605 his labor5999 which he takes5998 under8478 the sun?8121

4 One generation1755 passes1980 away, and another generation1755 comes: but the earth776 stays5975 for ever.5769

5 The sun8121 also rises,2224 and the sun8121 goes935 down, and hastens7602 to his place4725 where8033 he arose.2224

6 The wind7307 goes1980 toward413 the south,1864 and turns5437 about to the north;6828 it whirls1980 about continually, and the wind7307 returns7725 again7725 according5921 to his circuits.5439

7 All3605 the rivers5158 run1980 into413 the sea;3220 yet the sea3220 is not full;4392 to the place4725 from where the rivers5158 come,1980 thither8033 they return7725 again.7725

8 All3605 things1697 are full of labor;3023 man376 cannot3808 3201 utter1696 it: the eye5869 is not satisfied7646 with seeing,7200 nor3808 the ear241 filled4390 with hearing.8085

9 The thing that has been,1961 it is that which shall be; and that which is done6213 is that which shall be done:6213 and there is no369 new2319 thing under8478 the sun.8121

10 Is there any thing1697 whereof it may be said,559 See,7200 this2088 is new?2319 it has been1961 already3528 of old5769 time, which834 was before6440 us.

11 There is no369 remembrance2146 of former7223 things; neither3808 shall there be any remembrance2146 of things that are to come314 with those that shall come1961 after.314

12 I the Preacher6953 was king4428 over5921 Israel3478 in Jerusalem.3389

13 And I gave5414 my heart3820 to seek1875 and search8446 out by wisdom2451 concerning5921 all3605 things that are done6213 under8478 heaven:8064 this1931 sore7451 travail6045 has God430 given5414 to the sons1121 of man120 to be exercised6031 therewith.

14 I have seen7200 all3605 the works4639 that are done6213 under8478 the sun;8121 and, behold,2009 all3605 is vanity1892 and vexation7469 of spirit.7307

15 That which is crooked5791 cannot3808 3201 be made straight:8626 and that which is wanting2642 cannot3808 3201 be numbered.4487

16 I communed1696 with my own heart,3820 saying,559 See,2009 I am come to great1431 estate, and have gotten3254 more wisdom2451 than5921 all3605 they that have been1961 before6440 me in Jerusalem:3389 yes, my heart3820 had great7235 experience7200 of wisdom2451 and knowledge.1847

17 And I gave5414 my heart3820 to know3045 wisdom,2451 and to know3045 madness1947 and folly:5531 I perceived3045 that this2088 also1571 is vexation7475 of spirit.7307

18 For in much7230 wisdom2451 is much7230 grief:3708 and he that increases3254 knowledge1847 increases3254 sorrow.4341

2

1 I said559 in my heart,3820 Go3212 to now,4994 I will prove5254 you with mirth,8057 therefore enjoy7200 pleasure:2896 and, behold,2009 this1931 also1571 is vanity.1892

2 I said559 of laughter,7814 It is mad:1984 and of mirth,8057 What4100 does6213 it?

3 I sought8446 in my heart3820 to give4900 myself to wine,3196 yet acquainting5090 my heart3820 with wisdom;2451 and to lay hold270 on folly,5531 till5704 I might see7200 what335 was that good2896 for the sons1121 of men,120 which834 they should do6213 under8478 the heaven8064 all4557 the days3117 of their life.2416

4 I made me great1431 works;4639 I built1129 me houses;1004 I planted5193 me vineyards:3754

5 I made6213 me gardens1593 and orchards,6508 and I planted5193 trees6086 in them of all3605 kind of fruits:6529

6 I made6213 me pools1295 of water,4325 to water8248 therewith the wood3293 that brings6779 forth6779 trees:6086

7 I got7069 me servants5650 and maidens,8198 and had1961 servants born1121 in my house;1004 also1571 I had1961 great7235 possessions4735 of great1241 and small cattle4735 above all3605 that were in Jerusalem3389 before6440 me:

8 I gathered3664 me also1571 silver3701 and gold,2091 and the peculiar5459 treasure of kings4428 and of the provinces:4082 I got6213 me men singers7891 and women singers,7891 and the delights8588 of the sons1121 of men,120 as musical7705 instruments, and that of all sorts.

9 So I was great,1431 and increased3254 more than all3605 that were before6440 me in Jerusalem:3389 also637 my wisdom2451 remained5975 with me.

10 And whatever3605 834 my eyes5869 desired7592 I kept680 not from them, I withheld4513 not my heart3820 from any3605 joy;8057 for my heart3820 rejoiced8055 in all3605 my labor:5999 and this2088 was my portion2506 of all3605 my labor.5999

11 Then I looked6437 on all3605 the works4639 that my hands3027 had worked,6213 and on the labor5999 that I had labored5998 to do:6213 and, behold,2009 all3605 was vanity1892 and vexation7469 of spirit,7307 and there was no369 profit3504 under8478 the sun.8121

12 And I turned6437 myself to behold7200 wisdom,2451 and madness,1947 and folly:5531 for what4100 can the man120 do that comes after310 the king?4428 even853 that which834 has been already3528 done.6213

13 Then I saw7200 that wisdom2451 excels3504 folly,5531 as far as light216 excels3504 darkness.2822

14 The wise2450 man's eyes5869 are in his head;7218 but the fool3684 walks1980 in darkness:2822 and I myself589 perceived3045 also1571 that one259 event4745 happens7136 to them all.3605

15 Then said559 I in my heart,3820 As it happens4745 to the fool,3684 so it happens7136 even1571 to me; and why4100 was I then227 more3148 wise?2449 Then I said1696 in my heart,3820 that this2088 also1571 is vanity.1892

16 For there is no369 remembrance2146 of the wise2450 more5973 than5973 of the fool3684 for ever;5769 seeing that which now3528 is in the days3117 to come935 shall all3605 be forgotten.7911 And how349 dies4191 the wise2450 man? as the fool.3684

17 Therefore I hated8130 life;2416 because3588 the work4639 that is worked6213 under8478 the sun8121 is grievous7451 to me: for all3605 is vanity1892 and vexation7469 of spirit.7307

18 Yes, I hated8130 all3605 my labor5999 which I had taken6001 under8478 the sun:8121 because I should leave5117 it to the man120 that shall be after310 me.

19 And who4310 knows3045 whether he shall be a wise2450 man or176 a fool?5530 yet shall he have rule7980 over all3605 my labor5999 wherein I have labored,5998 and wherein I have showed myself wise2449 under8478 the sun.8121 This2088 is also1571 vanity.1892

20 Therefore I went5437 about5437 to cause my heart3820 to despair2976 of all3605 the labor5999 which I took under8478 the sun.8121

21 For there is a man120 whose labor5999 is in wisdom,2451 and in knowledge,1847 and in equity;3788 yet to a man120 that has not labored5998 therein shall he leave5414 it for his portion.2506 This2088 also1571 is vanity1892 and a great7227 evil.7451

22 For what4100 has1933 man120 of all3605 his labor,5999 and of the vexation7475 of his heart,3820 wherein he has labored6001 under8478 the sun?8121

23 For all3605 his days3117 are sorrows,4341 and his travail6045 grief;3708 yes,1571 his heart3820 takes not rest in the night.3915 This2088 1931 is also1571 vanity.1892

24 There is nothing369 better2896 for a man,120 than that he should eat398 and drink,8354 and that he should make his soul5315 enjoy7200 good2896 in his labor.5999 This2088 also1571 I saw,7200 that it was from the hand3027 of God.430

25 For who4310 can eat,398 or who4310 else can hasten2363 hereunto, more2351 than I?

26 For God gives5414 to a man120 that is good2896 in his sight6440 wisdom,2451 and knowledge,1847 and joy:8057 but to the sinner2398 he gives5414 travail,6045 to gather622 and to heap3664 up, that he may give5414 to him that is good2896 before6440 God.430 This2088 also1571 is vanity1892 and vexation7469 of spirit.7307

3

1 To every3605 thing there is a season,2165 and a time6256 to every3605 purpose2656 under8478 the heaven:8064

2 A time6256 to be born,3205 and a time6256 to die;4191 a time6256 to plant,5193 and a time6256 to pluck6131 up that which is planted;5193

3 A time6256 to kill,2026 and a time6256 to heal;7495 a time6256 to break6555 down, and a time6256 to build1129 up;

4 A time6256 to weep,1058 and a time6256 to laugh;7832 a time6256 to mourn,5594 and a time6256 to dance;7540

5 A time6256 to cast7993 away stones,68 and a time6256 to gather3664 stones68 together; a time6256 to embrace,2263 and a time6256 to refrain7368 from embracing;2263

6 A time6256 to get,1245 and a time6256 to lose;6 a time6256 to keep,8104 and a time6256 to cast7993 away;

7 A time6256 to rend,7167 and a time6256 to sew;8609 a time6256 to keep silence,2814 and a time6256 to speak;1696

8 A time6256 to love,157 and a time6256 to hate;8130 a time6256 of war,4421 and a time6256 of peace.7965

9 What4100 profit3504 has he that works6213 in that wherein834 he labors?6001

10 I have seen7200 the travail,6045 which834 God430 has given5414 to the sons1121 of men120 to be exercised6031 in it.

11 He has made6213 every3605 thing beautiful3303 in his time:6256 also1571 he has set5414 the world5769 in their heart,3820 so that no1097 man120 can find4672 out the work4639 that God430 makes6213 from the beginning7218 to the end.5490

12 I know3045 that there is no369 good2896 in them, but for a man to rejoice,8055 and to do6213 good2896 in his life.2416

13 And also1571 that every3605 man120 should eat398 and drink,8354 and enjoy7200 the good2896 of all3605 his labor,5999 it is the gift4991 of God.430

14 I know3045 that, whatever3605 834 God430 does,6213 it shall be for ever:5769 nothing369 can be put3254 to it, nor369 any thing taken1639 from it: and God430 does6213 it, that men should fear3372 before6440 him.

15 That which has been1961 is now;3528 and that which834 is to be has already3528 been;1961 and God430 requires1245 that which is past.7291

16 And moreover5750 I saw7200 under8478 the sun8121 the place4725 of judgment,4941 that wickedness7562 was there;8033 and the place4725 of righteousness,6664 that iniquity7562 was there.8033

17 I said559 in my heart,3820 God430 shall judge8199 the righteous6662 and the wicked:7563 for there is a time6256 there8033 for every3605 purpose2656 and for every3605 work.4639

18 I said559 in my heart3820 concerning5921 the estate1700 of the sons1121 of men,120 that God430 might manifest1305 them, and that they might see7200 that they themselves1992 are beasts.929

19 For that which befalls4745 the sons1121 of men120 befalls4745 beasts;929 even one2088 thing befalls4745 them: as the one2088 dies,4194 so3651 dies4194 the other;2088 yes, they have all3605 one259 breath;7307 so that a man120 has no369 preeminence4195 above4480 a beast:929 for all3605 is vanity.1892

20 All3605 go1980 to one259 place;4725 all3605 are of the dust,6083 and all3605 turn7725 to dust6083 again.7725

21 Who4310 knows3045 the spirit7307 of man1121 120 that goes5927 upward,4605 and the spirit7307 of the beast929 that goes3381 downward4295 to the earth?776

22 Why I perceive7200 that there is nothing369 better,2896 than that a man120 should rejoice8055 in his own works;4639 for that is his portion:2506 for who4310 shall bring935 him to see7200 what4100 shall be after310 him?

4

1 So I returned,7725 and considered7200 all3605 the oppressions6217 that are done6213 under8478 the sun:8121 and behold2009 the tears1832 of such as were oppressed,6231 and they had no369 comforter;5162 and on the side3027 of their oppressors6231 there was power;3581 but they had no369 comforter.

2 Why I praised7623 the dead4191 which are already3528 dead4191 more4481 than4480 the living2416 which834 are yet5728 alive.2416

3 Yes, better2896 is he than both8147 they, which834 has not yet5728 been,1961 who834 has not seen7200 the evil7451 work4639 that is done6213 under8478 the sun.8121

4 Again, I considered7200 all3605 travail,5999 and every3605 right3788 work,4639 that for this1931 a man376 is envied7068 of his neighbor.7453 This2088 is also1571 vanity1892 and vexation7469 of spirit.7307

5 The fool3684 folds2263 his hands3027 together, and eats398 his own flesh.1320

6 Better2896 is an handful4393 3709 with quietness,5183 than both the hands2651 full4393 with travail5999 and vexation7469 of spirit.7307

7 Then I returned,7725 and I saw7200 vanity1892 under8478 the sun.8121

8 There is one259 alone, and there is not a second;8145 yes,1571 he has neither1571 369 child1121 nor brother:251 yet is there no369 end7093 of all3605 his labor;5999 neither3808 is his eye5869 satisfied7646 with riches;6239 neither said he, For whom4310 do I labor,6001 and bereave2637 my soul5315 of good?2896 This2088 is also1571 vanity,1892 yes, it is a sore7451 travail.6045

9 Two8147 are better2896 than one;259 because834 they have3426 a good2896 reward7939 for their labor.5999

10 For if518 they fall,5307 the one259 will lift6965 up his fellow:2270 but woe337 to him that is alone259 when he falls;5307 for he has not another8145 to help6965 him up.

11 Again,1571 if518 two8147 lie7901 together, then they have heat:2552 but how349 can one259 be warm3179 alone?

12 And if518 one259 prevail8630 against him, two8147 shall withstand5975 him; and a threefold8027 cord2339 is not quickly4120 broken.5423

13 Better2896 is a poor4542 and a wise2450 child3206 than an old2205 and foolish3684 king,4428 who834 will3045 no3808 more5750 be admonished.2094

14 For out of prison1004 612 he comes3318 to reign;4427 whereas3588 also1571 he that is born3205 in his kingdom4438 becomes poor.7326

15 I considered7200 all3605 the living2416 which walk1980 under8478 the sun,8121 with the second8145 child3206 that shall stand5975 up in his stead.8478

16 There is no369 end7093 of all3605 the people,5971 even of all3605 that have been1961 before6440 them: they also1571 that come314 after314 shall not rejoice8055 in him. Surely3588 this2088 also1571 is vanity1892 and vexation7475 of spirit.7307

5

1 Keep8104 your foot7272 when834 you go3212 to the house1004 of God,430 and be more7138 ready7138 to hear,8085 than to give5414 the sacrifice2077 of fools:3684 for they consider3045 not that they do6213 evil.7451

2 Be not rash926 with your mouth,6310 and let not your heart3820 be hasty4116 to utter3318 any thing1697 before6440 God:430 for God430 is in heaven,8064 and you on earth:776 therefore5921 3651 let your words1697 be few.4592

3 For a dream2472 comes935 through the multitude7230 of business;6045 and a fool's3684 voice6963 is known by multitude7230 of words.1697

4 When834 you vow5087 a vow5088 to God,430 defer309 not to pay7999 it; for he has no369 pleasure2656 in fools:3684 pay7999 that which834 you have vowed.5087

5 Better2896 is it that you should not vow,5087 than that you should vow5087 and not pay.7999

6 Suffer5414 not your mouth6310 to cause your flesh1320 to sin;2398 neither408 say559 you before6440 the angel,4397 that it was an error:7684 why4100 should God430 be angry7107 at5921 your voice,6963 and destroy2254 the work4639 of your hands?3027

7 For in the multitude7230 of dreams2472 and many7230 words1697 there are also divers vanities:1892 but fear3372 you God.430

8 If518 you see7200 the oppression6233 of the poor,7326 and violent1499 perverting of judgment4941 and justice6664 in a province,4082 marvel8539 not at5921 the matter:2656 for he that is higher1364 than5921 the highest1364 regards;8104 and there be higher1364 than5921 they.

9 Moreover the profit3504 of the earth776 is for all:3605 the king4428 himself is served5647 by the field.7704

10 He that loves157 silver3701 shall not be satisfied7646 with silver;3701 nor he that loves157 abundance1995 with increase:8393 this2088 is also1571 vanity.1892

11 When goods2896 increase,7235 they are increased7231 that eat398 them: and what4100 good3788 is there to the owners1167 thereof, saving518 the beholding7200 of them with their eyes?5869

12 The sleep8142 of a laboring5647 man is sweet,4966 whether518 he eat398 little4592 or much:7235 but the abundance7647 of the rich6223 will not suffer3240 him to sleep.3462

13 There is a sore2470 evil7451 which I have seen7200 under8478 the sun,8121 namely, riches6239 kept8104 for the owners1167 thereof to their hurt.7451

14 But those1931 riches6239 perish6 by evil7451 travail:6045 and he begets3205 a son,1121 and there is nothing3808 3972 in his hand.3027

15 As he came3318 forth3318 of his mother's517 womb,990 naked6174 shall he return7725 to go3212 as he came,935 and shall take5375 nothing3808 3972 of his labor,5999 which he may carry3212 away in his hand.3027

16 And this2090 also1571 is a sore2470 evil,7451 that in all3605 points5980 as he came,935 so3651 shall he go:3212 and what4100 profit3504 has he that has labored5998 for the wind?7307

17 All3605 his days3117 also1571 he eats398 in darkness,2822 and he has much7235 sorrow3708 and wrath7110 with his sickness.2483

18 Behold2009 that which834 I have seen:7200 it is good2896 and comely3303 for one to eat398 and to drink,8354 and to enjoy7200 the good2896 of all3605 his labor5999 that he takes5998 under8478 the sun8121 all4557 the days3117 of his life,2416 which834 God430 gives5414 him: for it is his portion.2506

19 Every3605 man120 also1571 to whom834 God430 has given5414 riches6239 and wealth,5233 and has given him power7980 to eat398 thereof, and to take5375 his portion,2506 and to rejoice8055 in his labor;5999 this2090 is the gift4991 of God.430

20 For he shall not much7235 remember2142 the days3117 of his life;2416 because3588 God430 answers6030 him in the joy8057 of his heart.3820

6

1 There is an evil7451 which834 I have seen7200 under8478 the sun,8121 and it is common7227 among5921 men:120

2 A man376 to whom834 God430 has given5414 riches,6239 wealth,5233 and honor,3519 so that he wants2638 nothing369 for his soul5315 of all3605 that he desires,183 yet God430 gives him not power7980 to eat398 thereof, but a stranger376 5237 eats398 it: this2088 is vanity,1892 and it is an evil7451 disease.2483

3 If518 a man376 beget3205 an hundred3967 children, and live2421 many7227 years,8141 so that the days3117 of his years8141 be many,7227 and his soul5315 be not filled7646 with good,2896 and also1571 that he have1961 no3808 burial;6900 I say,559 that an untimely5309 birth5309 is better2896 than he.

4 For he comes935 in with vanity,1892 and departs3212 in darkness,2822 and his name8034 shall be covered3680 with darkness.2822

5 Moreover1571 he has not seen7200 the sun,8121 nor3808 known3045 any thing: this2088 has more rest5183 than the other.2088

6 Yes,432 though he live2421 a thousand505 years8141 twice6471 told, yet has he seen7200 no3808 good:2896 do not all3605 go1980 to one259 place?4725

7 All3605 the labor5999 of man120 is for his mouth,6310 and yet1571 the appetite5315 is not filled.4390

8 For what4100 has the wise2450 more3148 than4480 the fool?3684 what4100 has the poor,6041 that knows3045 to walk1980 before5048 the living?2416

9 Better2896 is the sight4758 of the eyes5869 than the wandering1981 of the desire:5315 this2088 is also1571 vanity1892 and vexation7469 of spirit.7307

10 That which has been1961 is named8034 7121 already,3528 and it is known3045 that it is man:120 neither3808 may3201 he contend1777 with him that is mightier8623 than he.

11 Seeing3588 there be many7235 things1697 that increase7235 vanity,1892 what4100 is man120 the better?3148

12 For who4310 knows3045 what4100 is good2896 for man120 in this life,2416 all4557 the days3117 of his vain1892 life2416 which he spends6213 as a shadow?6738 for who4310 can tell5046 a man120 what4100 shall be after310 him under8478 the sun?8121

7

1 A good name8034 is better2896 than precious2896 ointment;8081 and the day3117 of death4194 than the day3117 of one's birth.3205

2 It is better2896 to go3212 to the house1004 of mourning,60 than to go3212 to the house1004 of feasting:4960 for that is the end5490 of all3605 men;120 and the living2416 will lay5414 it to his heart.3820

3 Sorrow3708 is better2896 than laughter:7814 for by the sadness7455 of the countenance6440 the heart3820 is made better.3190

4 The heart3820 of the wise2450 is in the house1004 of mourning;60 but the heart3820 of fools3684 is in the house1004 of mirth.8057

5 It is better2896 to hear8085 the rebuke1606 of the wise,2450 than for a man376 to hear8085 the song7892 of fools.3684

6 For as the crackling6963 of thorns5518 under8478 a pot,5518 so3651 is the laughter7814 of the fool:3684 this2088 also1571 is vanity.1892

7 Surely3588 oppression6233 makes a wise2450 man mad;1984 and a gift4979 destroys6 the heart.3820

8 Better2896 is the end319 of a thing1697 than the beginning7225 thereof: and the patient750 in spirit7307 is better2896 than the proud1362 in spirit.7307

9 Be not hasty926 in your spirit7307 to be angry:3707 for anger3708 rests5117 in the bosom2436 of fools.3684

10 Say559 not you, What4100 is the cause1961 that the former7223 days3117 were better2896 than these?428 for you do not inquire7592 wisely2451 concerning5921 this.2088

11 Wisdom2451 is good2896 with an inheritance:5159 and by it there is profit3148 to them that see7200 the sun.8121

12 For wisdom2451 is a defense,6738 and money3701 is a defense:6738 but the excellency3504 of knowledge1847 is, that wisdom2451 gives life2421 to them that have1167 it.

13 Consider7200 the work4639 of God:430 for who4310 can3201 make that straight,8626 which834 he has made crooked?5791

14 In the day3117 of prosperity2896 be joyful,2896 but in the day3117 of adversity7451 consider:7200 God430 also1571 has set6213 the one2088 over5980 against5980 the other,2088 to the end1700 that man120 should find4672 nothing3808 3972 after310 him.

15 All3605 things have I seen7200 in the days3117 of my vanity:1892 there is a just6662 man that perishes6 in his righteousness,6664 and there is a wicked7563 man that prolongs748 his life in his wickedness.7451

16 Be not righteous6662 over7235 much;7235 neither408 make yourself over3148 wise:2449 why4100 should you destroy8074 yourself?

17 Be not over7235 much7235 wicked,7561 neither408 be you foolish:5530 why4100 should you die4191 before3808 your time?6256

18 It is good2896 that you should take270 hold270 of this;2088 yes,1571 also1571 from this2088 withdraw3240 not your hand:3027 for he that fears3373 God430 shall come3318 forth3318 of them all.3605

19 Wisdom2451 strengthens5810 the wise2450 more than ten6235 mighty7989 men which834 are in the city.5892

20 For there is not a just6662 man120 on earth,776 that does6213 good,2896 and sins2398 not.

21 Also1571 take5414 no408 heed5414 3820 to all3605 words1697 that are spoken;1696 lest634 3808 you hear8085 your servant5650 curse7043 you:

22 For oftentimes6471 7227 also1571 your own heart3820 knows3045 that you yourself859 likewise1571 have cursed7043 others.312

23 All3605 this2090 have I proved5254 by wisdom:2451 I said,559 I will be wise;2449 but it was far7350 from me.

24 That which4100 is far7350 off, and exceeding deep,6013 who4310 can find4672 it out?

25 I applied5437 my heart3820 to know,3045 and to search,8446 and to seek1245 out wisdom,2451 and the reason2808 of things, and to know3045 the wickedness7562 of folly,3689 even of foolishness5531 and madness:1947

26 And I find4672 more bitter4751 than death4194 the woman,802 whose834 1931 heart3820 is snares4685 and nets,2764 and her hands3027 as bands:612 whoever pleases2896 6440 God430 shall escape4422 from her; but the sinner2398 shall be taken3920 by her.

27 Behold,7200 this2088 have I found,4672 said559 the preacher,6953 counting one259 by one,259 to find4672 out the account:2808

28 Which834 yet5750 my soul5315 seeks,1245 but I find4672 not: one259 man120 among a thousand505 have I found;4672 but a woman802 among all3605 those428 have I not found.4672

29 See,7200 this2088 only905 have I found,4672 that God430 has made6213 man120 upright;3477 but they have sought1245 out many7227 inventions.2810

8

1 Who4310 is as the wise2450 man? and who4310 knows3045 the interpretation6592 of a thing?1697 a man's120 wisdom2451 makes his face6440 to shine,215 and the boldness5797 of his face6440 shall be changed.8132

2 I counsel you to keep8104 the king's4428 commandment,6310 and that in regard5921 1700 of the oath7621 of God.430

3 Be not hasty926 to go3212 out of his sight:6440 stand5975 not in an evil7451 thing;1697 for he does6213 whatever3605 834 pleases2654 him.

4 Where834 the word1697 of a king4428 is, there is power:7983 and who4310 may say559 to him, What4100 do6213 you?

5 Whoever keeps8104 the commandment4687 shall feel3045 no3808 evil7451 thing:1697 and a wise2450 man's heart3820 discerns3045 both time6256 and judgment.4941

6 Because3588 to every3605 purpose2656 there is time6256 and judgment,4941 therefore the misery7451 of man120 is great7227 on him.

7 For he knows3045 not that which4100 shall be: for who can tell5046 him when3588 834 it shall be?

8 There is no369 man120 that has power7989 over the spirit7307 to retain3607 the spirit;7307 neither369 has he power7983 in the day3117 of death:4194 and there is no369 discharge4917 in that war;4421 neither3808 shall wickedness7562 deliver4422 those that are given1167 to it.

9 All3605 this2088 have I seen,7200 and applied5414 my heart3820 to every3605 work4639 that is done6213 under8478 the sun:8121 there is a time6256 wherein834 one man120 rules7980 over another to his own hurt.7451

10 And so3651 I saw7200 the wicked7563 buried,6912 who had come935 and gone1980 from the place4725 of the holy,6918 and they were forgotten7911 in the city5892 where834 they had so3651 done:6213 this2088 is also1571 vanity.1892

11 Because834 sentence6599 against an evil7451 work4639 is not executed6213 speedily,4120 therefore5921 3651 the heart3820 of the sons1121 of men120 is fully4390 set in them to do6213 evil.7451

12 Though a sinner2398 do6213 evil7451 an hundred3967 times, and his days be prolonged,748 yet3588 surely3588 I know3045 that it shall be well2896 with them that fear3373 God,430 which834 fear3372 before6440 him:

13 But it shall not be well2896 with the wicked,7563 neither3808 shall he prolong748 his days,3117 which are as a shadow;6738 because834 he fears3373 not before6440 God.430

14 There is a vanity1892 which834 is done6213 on the earth;776 that there be just6662 men, to whom413 it happens5060 according to the work4639 of the wicked;7563 again, there be wicked7563 men, to whom413 it happens5060 according to the work4639 of the righteous:6662 I said559 that this2088 also1571 is vanity.1892

15 Then I commended7623 mirth,8057 because834 a man120 has no369 better2896 thing under8478 the sun,8121 than3588 518 to eat,398 and to drink,8354 and to be merry:8055 for that shall abide3867 with him of his labor5999 the days3117 of his life,2416 which834 God430 gives5414 him under8478 the sun.8121

16 When834 I applied5414 my heart3820 to know3045 wisdom,2451 and to see7200 the business6045 that is done6213 on the earth:776 (for also1571 there is that neither1571 369 day3117 nor night3915 sees7200 sleep8142 with his eyes:5869)

17 Then I beheld7200 all3605 the work4639 of God,430 that a man120 cannot3808 3201 find4672 out the work4639 that is done6213 under8478 the sun:8121 because834 though834 a man120 labor5998 to seek1245 it out, yet he shall not find4672 it; yes1571 farther; though518 a wise2450 man think559 to know3045 it, yet shall he not be able3201 to find4672 it.

9

1 For all3605 this2088 I considered5414 in my heart3820 even to declare952 all3605 this,2088 that the righteous,6662 and the wise,2450 and their works,5652 are in the hand3027 of God:430 no369 man120 knows3045 either1571 love160 or hatred8135 by all3605 that is before6440 them.

2 All3605 things come alike834 to all:3605 there is one259 event4745 to the righteous,6662 and to the wicked;7563 to the good2896 and to the clean,2889 and to the unclean;2931 to him that sacrifices,2076 and to him that sacrifices2076 not: as is the good,2896 so is the sinner;2398 and he that swears,7650 as he that fears3373 an oath.7621

3 This2088 is an evil7451 among all3605 things that are done6213 under8478 the sun,8121 that there is one259 event4745 to all:3605 yes,1571 also1571 the heart3820 of the sons1121 of men120 is full4390 of evil,7451 and madness1947 is in their heart3824 while they live,2416 and after310 that they go to the dead.4191

4 For to him that is joined977 to all3605 the living2416 there is hope:986 for a living2416 dog3611 is better2896 than4480 a dead4191 lion.738

5 For the living2416 know3045 that they shall die:4191 but the dead4191 know3045 not any3972 thing, neither1571 369 have they any more5750 a reward;7939 for the memory2143 of them is forgotten.7911

6 Also1571 their love,160 and their hatred,8135 and their envy,7068 is now3528 perished;6 neither1571 369 have they any more5750 a portion2506 for ever5769 in any3605 thing that is done6213 under8478 the sun.8121

7 Go3212 your way, eat398 your bread3899 with joy,8057 and drink8354 your wine3196 with a merry2896 heart;3820 for God430 now3528 accepts7521 your works.4639

8 Let your garments899 be always3605 6256 white;3836 and let your head7218 lack2637 no408 ointment.8081

9 Live2416 joyfully2416 with the wife802 whom834 you love157 all3605 the days3117 of the life2416 of your vanity,1892 which834 he has given5414 you under8478 the sun,8121 all3605 the days3117 of your vanity:1892 for that is your portion2506 in this2088 life,2416 and in your labor5999 which you take6001 under8478 the sun.8121

10 Whatever3605 834 your hand3027 finds4672 to do,6213 do6213 it with your might;3581 for there is no369 work,4639 nor device,2808 nor knowledge,1847 nor wisdom,2451 in the grave,7585 where834 8033 you go.1980

11 I returned,7725 and saw7200 under8478 the sun,8121 that the race4793 is not to the swift,7031 nor3808 the battle4421 to the strong,1368 neither3808 yet1571 bread3899 to the wise,2450 nor3808 yet1571 riches6239 to men of understanding,995 nor3808 yet1571 favor2580 to men of skill;3045 but time6256 and chance6294 happens7136 to them all.3605

12 For man120 also1571 knows3045 not his time:6256 as the fishes1709 that are taken270 in an evil7451 net,4686 and as the birds6833 that are caught270 in the snare;6341 so1992 are the sons1121 of men120 snared3369 in an evil7451 time,6256 when it falls5307 suddenly6597 on them.

13 This2090 wisdom2451 have I seen7200 also1571 under8478 the sun,8121 and it seemed great1419 to me:

14 There was a little6996 city,5892 and few4592 men582 within it; and there came935 a great1419 king4428 against413 it, and besieged5437 it, and built1129 great1419 bulwarks4685 against5921 it:

15 Now there was found4672 in it a poor4542 wise2450 man,376 and he by his wisdom2451 delivered4422 the city;5892 yet no3808 man120 remembered2142 that same1931 poor4542 man.376

16 Then said559 I, Wisdom2451 is better2896 than strength:1369 nevertheless the poor4542 man's wisdom2451 is despised,959 and his words1697 are not heard.8085

17 The words1697 of wise2450 men are heard8085 in quiet5183 more than the cry2201 of him that rules4910 among fools.3684

18 Wisdom2451 is better2896 than weapons3627 of war:7128 but one259 sinner2398 destroys6 much7235 good.2896

10

1 Dead4194 flies2070 cause the ointment8081 of the apothecary7543 to send5042 forth a stinking887 smell:7381 so does a little4592 folly5531 him that is in reputation3368 for wisdom2451 and honor.3519

2 A wise2450 man's heart3820 is at his right3225 hand;3225 but a fool's3684 heart3820 at his left.8040

3 Yes1571 also,1571 when he that is a fool5530 walks1980 by the way,1870 his wisdom3820 fails2638 him, and he said559 to every3605 one that he is a fool.5530

4 If518 the spirit7307 of the ruler4910 rise5927 up against5921 you, leave5117 not your place;4725 for yielding4832 pacifies3240 great1419 offenses.2399

5 There is an evil7451 which I have seen7200 under8478 the sun,8121 as an error7684 which proceeds3318 from the ruler:7989

6 Folly5529 is set5414 in great7227 dignity,4791 and the rich6223 sit3427 in low8216 place.

7 I have seen7200 servants5650 on horses,5483 and princes8269 walking1980 as servants5650 on the earth.776

8 He that digs2658 a pit1475 shall fall5307 into it; and whoever breaks6555 an hedge,1447 a serpent5175 shall bite5391 him.

9 Whoever removes5265 stones68 shall be hurt6087 therewith; and he that splits1234 wood6086 shall be endangered5533 thereby.

10 If518 the iron1270 be blunt,6949 and he do not whet7043 the edge,6440 then must he put1396 to more strength:2428 but wisdom2451 is profitable3504 to direct.3787

11 Surely518 the serpent5175 will bite5391 without3808 enchantment;3908 and a babbler1167 3956 is no369 better.3504

12 The words1697 of a wise2450 man's mouth6310 are gracious;2580 but the lips8193 of a fool3684 will swallow1104 up himself.

13 The beginning8462 of the words1697 of his mouth6310 is foolishness:5531 and the end319 of his talk6310 is mischievous7451 madness.1948

14 A fool5530 also is full7235 of words:1697 a man120 cannot3045 tell5046 what4100 shall be; and what4100 shall be after310 him, who4310 can tell5046 him?

15 The labor5999 of the foolish3684 wearies3021 every one of them, because834 he knows3045 not how834 to go3212 to the city.5892

16 Woe337 to you, O land,776 when your king4428 is a child,5288 and your princes8269 eat398 in the morning!1242

17 Blessed835 are you, O land,776 when your king4428 is the son1121 of nobles,2715 and your princes8269 eat398 in due season,6256 for strength,1369 and not for drunkenness!8358

18 By much slothfulness6103 the building4746 decays;4355 and through idleness8220 of the hands3027 the house1004 drops1811 through.1811

19 A feast3899 is made6213 for laughter,7814 and wine3196 makes merry:8055 but money3701 answers6030 all3605 things.

20 Curse7043 not the king,4428 no408 not in your thought;4093 and curse7043 not the rich6223 in your bedchamber:2315 4296 for a bird5775 of the air8064 shall carry3212 the voice,6963 and that which has1167 wings3671 shall tell5046 the matter.1697

11

1 Cast7971 your bread3899 on the waters:4325 for you shall find4672 it after many7230 days.3117

2 Give5414 a portion2506 to seven,7651 and also1571 to eight;8083 for you know3045 not what4100 evil7451 shall be on the earth.776

3 If518 the clouds5645 be full4390 of rain,1653 they empty7324 themselves on the earth:776 and if518 the tree6086 fall5307 toward the south,1864 or toward the north,6828 in the place4725 where the tree6086 falls,5307 there8033 it shall be.

4 He that observes8104 the wind7307 shall not sow;2232 and he that regards7200 the clouds5645 shall not reap.7114

5 As you know3045 not what4100 is the way1870 of the spirit,7307 nor how the bones6106 do grow in the womb990 of her that is with child:4392 even3602 so3602 you know3045 not the works4639 of God430 who834 makes6213 all.3605

6 In the morning1242 sow2232 your seed,2233 and in the evening6153 withhold3240 not your hand:3027 for you know3045 not whether335 shall prosper,3787 either this2088 or176 that, or whether518 they both8147 shall be alike259 good.2896

7 Truly the light216 is sweet,4966 and a pleasant2896 thing it is for the eyes5869 to behold7200 the sun:8121

8 But if518 a man120 live2421 many7235 years,8141 and rejoice8055 in them all;3605 yet let him remember2142 the days3117 of darkness;2822 for they shall be many.7235 All3605 that comes935 is vanity.1892

9 Rejoice,8055 O young970 man, in your youth;3208 and let your heart3820 cheer3190 you in the days3117 of your youth,979 and walk1980 in the ways1870 of your heart,3820 and in the sight4758 of your eyes:5869 but know3045 you, that for all3605 these428 things God430 will bring935 you into judgment.4941

10 Therefore remove5493 sorrow3708 from your heart,3820 and put5674 away5493 evil7451 from your flesh:1320 for childhood3208 and youth7839 are vanity.1892

12

1 Remember2142 now your Creator1254 in the days3117 of your youth,979 while5704 the evil7451 days3117 come935 not, nor the years8141 draw near,5060 when834 you shall say,559 I have no369 pleasure2656 in them;

2 While5704 the sun,8121 or the light,216 or the moon,3394 or the stars,3556 be not darkened,2821 nor the clouds5645 return7725 after310 the rain:1653

3 In the day3117 when the keepers8104 of the house1004 shall tremble,2111 and the strong2428 men582 shall bow5791 themselves, and the grinders2912 cease988 because3588 they are few,4592 and those that look7200 out of the windows699 be darkened,2821

4 And the doors1817 shall be shut5462 in the streets,7784 when the sound6963 of the grinding2913 is low,8217 and he shall rise6965 up at the voice6963 of the bird,6833 and all3605 the daughters1323 of music7892 shall be brought7817 low;7817

5 Also1571 when they shall be afraid3372 of that which is high,1364 and fears2849 shall be in the way,1870 and the almond8247 tree shall flourish,5006 and the grasshopper2284 shall be a burden,5445 and desire35 shall fail:6565 because3588 man120 goes1980 to his long5769 home,1004 and the mourners5594 go5437 about5437 the streets:7784

6 Or5704 ever the silver3701 cord2256 be loosed,7368 or the golden2091 bowl1543 be broken,7533 or the pitcher3537 be broken7665 at5921 the fountain,4002 or the wheel1534 broken7533 at413 the cistern.953

7 Then shall the dust6083 return7725 to the earth776 as it was: and the spirit7307 shall return7725 to God430 who834 gave5414 it.

8 Vanity1892 of vanities,1892 said559 the preacher;6953 all3605 is vanity.1892

9 And moreover,3148 because the preacher6953 was wise,2450 he still5750 taught3925 the people5971 knowledge;1847 yes, he gave good heed,238 and sought2713 out, and set in order8626 many7235 proverbs.4912

10 The preacher6953 sought1245 to find4672 out acceptable2656 words:1697 and that which was written3789 was upright,3476 even words1697 of truth.571

11 The words1697 of the wise2450 are as goads,1861 and as nails4930 fastened5193 by the masters1167 of assemblies,627 which are given5414 from one259 shepherd.7462

12 And further,3148 by these,1992 my son,1121 be admonished:2094 of making6213 many7235 books5612 there is no369 end;7093 and much7235 study3854 is a weariness3024 of the flesh.1320

13 Let us hear8085 the conclusion5490 of the whole3605 matter:1697 Fear3372 God,430 and keep8104 his commandments:4687 for this2088 is the whole3605 duty1697 of man.120

14 For God430 shall bring935 every3605 work4639 into judgment,4941 with every3605 secret5956 thing, whether518 it be good,2896 or whether518 it be evil.7451