But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.

Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say; otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.

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.

It is better for you not to vow than to vow and not pay it.

Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city.

I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward.

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.

Here is another enigma that occurs on earth: Sometimes there are righteous people who get what the wicked deserve, and sometimes there are wicked people who get what the righteous deserve. I said, “This also is an enigma.”

Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.

I have observed the burden that God has given to people to keep them occupied.

So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive.

Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor.

A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice.

Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth, and it weighs heavily on people:

Consider the work of God: For who can make straight what he has bent?

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

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

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

before the sun and the light of the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds disappear after the rain;

and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life’s breath returns to God who gave it.