So what advantage does a wise man have over a fool? And what advantage does a pauper gain by knowing how to survive?

For there is not one truly righteous person on the earth who continually does good and never sins.

The toil of a stupid fool wears him out, because he does not even know the way to the city.

The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him?

What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth?

if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die!

The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.

I also know that whatever God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken away from it. God has made it this way, so that men will fear him.

If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.

Again, I observed this on the earth: the race is not always won by the swiftest, the battle is not always won by the strongest; prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest, wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning, nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge – for time and chance may overcome them all.

For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.

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?

God gives a man riches, property, and wealth so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires, yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor – instead, someone else enjoys it! This is fruitless and a grave misfortune.

What benefit do people get from all the effort which they expend on earth?

I said of partying, “It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!”

What benefit can a worker gain from his toil?

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.

But it will not go well with the wicked, nor will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God.

Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.

Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time, yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people – for they stand in fear before him.