While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm.

I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.

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

One who digs a pit may fall into it, and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

One who quarries stones may be injured by them; one who splits logs may be endangered by them.

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.

If the clouds are full of rain, they will empty themselves on the earth, and whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, the tree will lie wherever it falls.

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

Just as there is futility in many dreams, so also in many words. Therefore, fear God!

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

If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble.

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

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

For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance to someone else who did not work for it. This also is futile, and an awful injustice!

To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God.

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.

So, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all, but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many – all that is about to come is obscure.