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

The produce of the land is seized by all of them, even the king is served by the fields.

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

I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined to comprehend this” – but it was beyond my grasp.

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.

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

Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is.

Feasts are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.

All of them are skilled with a sword, well-trained in the art of warfare. Each has his sword at his side, to guard against the terrors of the night.

Your teeth are like a flock of newly-shorn sheep coming up from the washing place; each of them has a twin, and not one of them is missing.

Your neck is like the tower of David built with courses of stones; one thousand shields are hung on it – all shields of valiant warriors.

His mouth is very sweet; he is totally desirable. This is my beloved! This is my companion, O maidens of Jerusalem!

Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin; not one of them is missing.

I will attack you; I will purify your metal with flux. I will remove all your slag.

Those remaining in Zion, those left in Jerusalem, will be called “holy,” all in Jerusalem who are destined to live.

Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are prepared. The hooves of their horses are hard as flint, and their chariot wheels are like a windstorm.

With bow and arrow men will hunt there, for the whole land will be covered with thorns and briers.

You will be broken, O nations; you will be shattered! Pay attention, all you distant lands of the earth! Get ready for battle, and you will be shattered! Get ready for battle, and you will be shattered!

All the people were aware of it, the people of Ephraim and those living in Samaria. Yet with pride and an arrogant attitude, they said,

The sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, is certainly ready to carry out the decreed destruction throughout the land.