he taught me, and he said to me: “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live.

The Lord abhors every arrogant person; rest assured that they will not go unpunished.

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?

The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up financial security for his neighbor.

The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time.

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom.

Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.

When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations within him.

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.

Your mind will recall the terror you experienced, and you will ask yourselves, “Where is the scribe? Where is the one who weighs the money? Where is the one who counts the towers?”

I was angry because of their sinful greed; I attacked them and angrily rejected them, yet they remained disobedient and stubborn.

Why, Lord, do you make us stray from your ways, and make our minds stubborn so that we do not obey you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your inheritance!