For he never bothered to show kindness; he harassed the oppressed and needy, and killed the disheartened.

How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate.

A song of ascents, by David. O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor do I have a haughty look. I do not have great aspirations, or concern myself with things that are beyond me.

All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends avoid him – he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.

If you say, “But we did not know about this,” does not the one who evaluates hearts consider? Does not the one who guards your life know? Will he not repay each person according to his deeds?

No one remembers the former events, nor will anyone remember the events that are yet to happen; they will not be remembered by the future generations.

For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!

Just as he came forth from his mother's womb, naked will he return as he came, and he will take nothing in his hand that he may carry away from his toil.

For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.

if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die!

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” for it is not wise to ask that.

Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say; otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.

What I have continually sought, I have not found; I have found only one upright man among a thousand, but I have not found one upright woman among all of them.

But it will not go well with the wicked, nor will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God.

However, a poor but wise man lived in the city, and he could have delivered the city by his wisdom, but no one listened to that poor man.

yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future?

Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments, for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth.

before the silver cord is removed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the well, or the water wheel is broken at the cistern –

Do not stare at me because I am dark, for the sun has burned my skin. My brothers were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards. Alas, my own vineyard I could not keep!

The Lover to His Beloved: If you do not know, O most beautiful of women, simply follow the tracks of my flock, and pasture your little lambs beside the tents of the shepherds.