Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth, and it weighs heavily on people:

though it never saw the light of day nor knew anything, yet it has more rest than that man –

A good reputation is better than precious perfume; likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless.

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing; it benefits those who see the light of day.

Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool; otherwise you might die before your time.

For there is not one truly righteous person on the earth who continually does good and never sins.

This alone have I discovered: God made humankind upright, but they have sought many evil schemes.

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

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

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

He who watches the wind will not sow, and he who observes the clouds will not reap.

Banish emotional stress from your mind. and put away pain from your body; for youth and the prime of life are fleeting.

My beloved is like a fragrant pouch of myrrh spending the night between my breasts.

The Lover to His Beloved: You are a locked garden, my sister, my bride; you are an enclosed spring, a sealed-up fountain.

You are a garden spring, a well of fresh water flowing down from Lebanon.

His legs are like pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars.

I hate your new moon festivals and assemblies; they are a burden that I am tired of carrying.

Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow!

Her gates will mourn and lament; deprived of her people, she will sit on the ground.