The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride.

Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

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

and the doors along the street are shut; when the sound of the grinding mill grows low, and one is awakened by the sound of a bird, and all their songs grow faint,

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

I designed royal gardens and parks for myself, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

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.

For the fate of humans and the fate of animals are the same: As one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath. There is no advantage for humans over animals, for both are fleeting.

In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.

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.

It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools.

Fools are placed in many positions of authority, while wealthy men sit in lowly positions.

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

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

Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.

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.

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart.

I also amassed silver and gold for myself, as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces. I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines!

The words of the sages are like prods, and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd.