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.

I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live,

All of man’s labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach – yet his appetite is never satisfied!

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.

God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time, but he has also placed ignorance in the human heart so that people cannot discover what God has ordained, from the beginning to the end of their lives.

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.

I constructed pools of water for myself, to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees.

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

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.

Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of idle hands the house leaks.

For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up.

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught knowledge to the people; he carefully evaluated and arranged many proverbs.

Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself?

I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place.

The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money, he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income. This also is futile.

Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.

Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness,

The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him?