Ecclesiastes 2:12

Wisdom is Better than Folly

2:12 Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas.

For what more can the king’s successor do than what the king has already done?

Ecclesiastes 2:16

2:16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long,

because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten.

Alas, the wise man dies – just like the fool!

Ecclesiastes 2:21

2:21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill;

however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance

to someone else who did not work for it.

This also is futile, and an awful injustice!

Ecclesiastes 2:23-24

2:23 For all day long his work produces pain and frustration,

and even at night his mind cannot relax!

This also is futile!

Enjoy Work and its Benefits

2:24 There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink,

and to find enjoyment in their work.

I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.

Ecclesiastes 3:17

3:17 I thought to myself, “God will judge both the righteous and the wicked;

for there is an appropriate time for every activity,

and there is a time of judgment for every deed.

Ecclesiastes 4:10

4:10 For if they fall, one will help his companion up,

but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it.

For God takes no pleasure in fools:

Pay what you vow!

Ecclesiastes 5:11

5:11 When someone’s prosperity increases, those who consume it also increase;

so what does its owner gain, except that he gets to see it with his eyes?

Ecclesiastes 7:10

7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?”

for it is not wise to ask that.

Ecclesiastes 7:18

7:18 It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning;

for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.

Ecclesiastes 8:3

8:3 Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant,

for he can do whatever he pleases.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Life is Brief, so Cherish its Joys

9:7 Go, eat your food with joy,

and drink your wine with a happy heart,

because God has already approved your works.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands,

do it with all your might,

because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave,

the place where you will eventually go.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

10:4 If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position,

for a calm response can undo great offenses.

Ecclesiastes 11:2

11:2 Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments,

for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth.

Ecclesiastes 12:3

12:3 when those who keep watch over the house begin to tremble,

and the virile men begin to stoop over,

and the grinders begin to cease because they grow few,

and those who look through the windows grow dim,

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

12:13 Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

because this is the whole duty of man.

12:14 For God will evaluate every deed,

including every secret thing, whether good or evil.