For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long, because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. Alas, the wise man dies -- just like the fool!

So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile -- like chasing the wind.

So I loathed all the fruit of my effort, for which I worked so hard on earth, because I must leave it behind in the hands of my successor.

So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work, because that is their reward; for who can show them what the future holds?

Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor.

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.

Whatever has happened was foreordained, and what happens to a person was also foreknown. It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate because God is more powerful than he is.

Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

Obey the king's command, because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him.

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.

Go, eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, because God has already approved your works.

Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go.

The toil of a stupid fool wears him out, because he does not even know the way to the city.

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

when those who keep watch over the house begin to tremble, and the virile men begin to stoop over, and the grinders begin to cease because they grow few, and those who look through the windows grow dim,

and they are afraid of heights and the dangers in the street; the almond blossoms grow white, and the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry shrivels up -- because man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about in the streets --

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.