For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long, because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. Alas, the wise man dies – just like the fool!

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

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

Surely the king’s authority is absolute; no one can say to him, “What are you doing?”

Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless – like chasing the wind.

So I again considered another futile thing on earth:

Do not curse a king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich while in your bedroom; for a bird might report what you are thinking, or some winged creature might repeat your words.

when those who keep watch over the house begin to tremble, and the virile men begin to stoop over, and the grinders begin to cease because they grow few, and those who look through the windows grow dim,

All this monotony is tiresome; no one can bear to describe it: The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear ever content with hearing.

One dead fly makes the perfumer’s ointment give off a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom.

There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.

Surely, no one knows his appointed time! Like fish that are caught in a deadly net, and like birds that are caught in a snare – just like them, all people are ensnared at an unfortunate time that falls upon them suddenly.

There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.

Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.

This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me:

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

Whatever has happened is beyond human understanding; it is far deeper than anyone can fathom.

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.”

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

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