- The words of the Preacher: Vanity of vanity, all is vanity. One generation passes away & a new one rises. All the rivers run to the sea, which is still not full. There is nothing new under the sun. In much wisdom is much grief: he that increases knowledge increases sorrow. #Ec1
- Mirth and wine is vanity; even the wise lay hold on folly. I was very important with silver and gold, with women and slaves. All my works are vanity. There is no profit under the sun. And how dies the wise man? As the fool. A man should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. #Ec2
- To everything there is a season, & a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, & a time to die; a time to plant, & a time to glean. Beasts & men are of one breath; all are of dust, all return to dust. There is not better than that a man should gain his portion. #Ec3
- Consider the tears of the oppressed & the oppressor’s power: each lack comforters. The dead are happier than the living: it is better to not have been. Vanity is a sore travail. 2 are better than 1; if 1 falls, the other helps him up. Woe to him that is alone when he falls. #Ec4
- A fool’s voice is known by a multitude of words; let thy words be few. Pay your vow or don’t make it. In the multitude of dreams of diverse vanities is fear of the Lord. The sleep of a laboring man is sweet. Eat, drink and enjoy the good of your labor: that is your portion. #Ec5
- Men come in with vanity and depart in darkness. All the labor of man is for the mouth, yet his appetite returns. Better is sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. All the labor of man is vanity, a chasing after the wind. #Ec6
- As the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools. For wisdom is a defense & money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to them that have it. My soul seeks one man among 1000, but a woman among all those have I not found. #Ec7
- A man’s wisdom makes his face shine. There is no man that has power in that day of death. Because to every purpose there is time & judgment, the misery of man is great upon him. I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, drink & be merry. #Ec8
- The one common destiny shared by the good & the sinful is the grave. Better a live dog than a dead lion. For the living know they will die, but the dead know nothing. Under the sun, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but time & chance happen to all. #Ec9
- As dead flies cause the ointment to stink, a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart is at his left. A feast is made for laughter, & wine makes merry: but money is the answer for everything. Don’t curse the rich. #Ec10
- Cast thy bread on the waters; you will find it after many days. Rejoice & let thy heart cheer in the days of thy youth but know that for all these things God will bring judgment. Remove sorrow from thy heart, & put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood & youth are vanity. #Ec11
- Remember your creator of your youth before the sun & the stars grow dark, & almonds blossom. Of making many books there is no end: much study wearies the body. The Teacher wrote: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God & keep his commandments. #Ec12