A wise person’s good sense protects him, but a fool’s lack of sense leaves him vulnerable.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.

So I thought to myself, “The fate of the fool will happen even to me! Then what did I gain by becoming so excessively wise?” So I lamented to myself, “The benefits of wisdom are ultimately meaningless!”

Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool; likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.

So I began to despair about all the fruit of my labor for which I worked so hard on earth.

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

For you know in your own heart that you also have cursed others many times.

Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.

Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is.

Banish emotional stress from your mind. and put away pain from your body; for youth and the prime of life are fleeting.

I thought to myself, “I have become much wiser than any of my predecessors who ruled over Jerusalem; I have acquired much wisdom and knowledge.”

I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort.

Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes, but know that God will judge your motives and actions.

So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!

I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile.

For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!

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.

I also thought to myself, “It is for the sake of people, so God can clearly show them that they are like animals.