Reference: Ecclesiastes, The Book of
Fausets
The speaker so entitles himself, Hebrew: Qoheleth, Greek Ecclesiastes, "the convener of, and preacher to, assemblies," namely, church assemblies. The feminine form, and its construction once with a feminine verb (Ec 7:27), show that divine Wisdom herself speaks through the inspired king Solomon. God had especially endowed him with this wisdom (1Ki 3:5-14; 6:11-12; 9:1, etc.; 1Ki 11:9-11). "The preacher taught the people (and inquirers) knowledge" in a divan assembled for the purpose (1Ki 4:34; 10:2,8,24; 2Ch 9:1,7,23). "Spake," thrice in 1Ki 4:32-33, refers not to written compositions, but to addresses spoken in assemblies. Solomon's authorship is supported by Ec 1:12,16; 2:1-15; 12:9. But in the book are found words:
(1) rarely employed in the earlier, frequently in the later books of Scripture.
(2) Words never found in Hebrew writings until the Babylonian captivity; as zimaan, "set time," for moed; Ec 3:1, namely, in Ne 2:6; Es 9:27,31. So pithgam, "sentence" (Ec 8:11); "thought," madang; 'illuw "though" (Ec 6:6); bikeen, "so" (Ec 8:10): thus, Esther approximates most to Ecclesiastes in idioms.
(3) Words not found in the late Hebrew, but only in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra: yithron, "profit "; compare yuthran in the Aramaic targums; kibaar, "already," "long ago"; taaqam, "make straight" (Ec 1:15; 7:13; Da 4:33) (Da 4:36 "established"); ruwth, "desire," found also in the Aramaic parts of Ezra.
(4) The grammatical constructions agree with the transition period from Hebrew to Aramaic; frequent participles, the uses of the relative, Vav (?) or waw-conversive rare. Probably, since the book is poetical not historical, a later writer, in the person of Solomon as an idealized Solomon, writes under inspiration the lessons that such an experience as that of Solomon would properly afford. Hence, Solomon is not named; the writer speaks as Qoheleth, "the preacher." If it were merely Solomon's penitent confession in old age, he would have used his own name. The spirit of Solomon speaks, the true Qoheleth ("gatherer"), a type of Him who is "Wisdom" and calls Himself so, and who "would have gathered Jerusalem's children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings"; compare Lu 11:49 with Mt 23:34-37.
The writer makes Solomon's saying after his late repentance, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity," his text which he expands under the Spirit. So the sons of Korah write Psalm 42 as from David's soul, in his trans-jordanic flight from Absalom, so that David is the speaker throughout. Qoheleth addresses "the great congregation" (Ps 22:25; 49:2-4), giving his testimony for godliness as the only solid good, as the seal of his repentance under chastisement for apostasy (1Ki 11:14,23; Ps 89:30,33). It is just possible that the peculiarities of language may be due to Solomon's long intercourse with foreigners; also the Chaldaisms may be fragments preserved from the common tongue of which Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldee, and Arabic were offshoots. So Solomon himself would be the writer. Its canonicity rests on the testimony of the Jewish church, "to whom were committed the oracles of God," and who are never charged in the New Testament with unfaithfulness in that respect, though so unfaithful in other respects (Ro 3:2).
Many allusions to Ecclesiastes occur in New Testament: Ec 7:2; Mt 5:3-4; Ec 5:2; Mt 6:7; Ec 6:2; Lu 12:20; Mt 6:19-34; Ec 11:5; Joh 3:8; Ec 9:10; Joh 9:4; Ec 10:12; Col 4:6; Ec 12:14; 2Co 5:10; Ec 5:1; 1Ti 3:15; Jas 1:19; Ec 5:6; 1Co 11:10. The Old Testament would be incomplete without the book that sets forth the unsatisfying vanity of the creature apart from God, even as the Song depicts the all-satisfying fullness there is for us in God our Savior. The theme is the vanity of all human pursuits when made the chief end, and the consequent wisdom of making the fear of God and His commandments our main aim.
This presumes the immortality of the soul, which was more needed as a doctrine at the time when God, whose theocratic kingship Israel's self chosen king in some measure superseded, was withdrawing the extraordinary providences from whence the Mosaic law had drawn its sanctions of temporal reward or punishment. The anomalies that virtue is not always rewarded, nor vice always punished, here (Ec 2:16; 3:19; 4:1; 5:8; 7:15; 8:14; 9:2,11), suggested the truth that there must be a future life and. a judgment, wherein God will deal with men according to their present works. This is "the conclusion of the whole" discussion, that man's wisdom and "whole duty" is to "fear God and keep His commandments" (Ec 12:13-14), and meanwhile to use in joyful and serene sobriety, and not abuse, life's present passing goods (Ec 3:12-13).
David, Solomon's father (Ps 39:12), and Job (Job 7:16), had already taught the vanity of man and man's earthly aims. So Solomon speaks of man ('adam, not 'iysh) as such, frail and mortal, not redeemed man nor the elect nation Israel. Hence, not Jehovah, expressing the covenant relation to His people, but the general name God ('Elohim), appears throughout, the correlative to "man" ('adam) in general. The fatiguing toil or travail ('amal) of man is another characteristic phrase; it bereaves of "quietness" and "good" (Ec 4:6,8). In contrast stands "the work of God," which "no man can find out from the beginning to the end": yet this much he sees, it is "beautiful," and "in His time," and "for ever"; "nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it" (Ec 3:11,14); none" can make that straight which He hath made crooked" (Ec 7:13).
So the" all" that is "vanity" is whatever work man, frail and mortal, undertakes, not falling in with God's irresistible work. Man's way to escape from the vanity that attends his work, however successful it seem for a time, is to "fear God," and to make His commandments the end of all our work; also to acquiesce patiently, cheerfully, and contentedly in all God's dispensations, however trying and dark (Ec 2:24; 3:12-13,22; 5:17; 8:15; 9:7). The recommendation to "eat and drink," etc., was mistaken as recommending the Epicurean sensuality against which Paul (1Co 15:32-33) protests, and was made an objection to the book; but the eating and drinking recommended is that associated with labor, not idleness; with pious "fear of God," not sensual ignoring of the future Judge; the cheerful, contented "eating and drinking" which characterized Judah and Israel under Solomon (1Ki 4:20), and under Josiah (Jer 22:15, "Did not thy father (Josiah) eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?")
So Nehemiah enjoins (Ne 8:10-12). Ec 2:24 has: "is it not good for man that he should eat?" etc. This is opposed to a self-harassing, covetous, grasping carefulness (Php 4:6-7; Mt 6:24-34; Ec 5:18, compare Ec 5:11-15). The joy of sensual levity is explicitly forbidden (Ec 7:2-6; 11:9; 12:1). The reference to hopeless oppression (Ec 4:1-3) is made the ground for supposing the period was one of the congregations's suffering, as Israel suffered under Persia after the return from Babylon. But even in Solomon's days, in the provinces, and especially when he fell into idolatry and consequent troubles, oppression must have often occurred, which his power was not able to prevent altogether in subordinate governors. Fatalism and skepticism might seem to be taught in Ec 7:16; 9:2-10, but Ec 7:17-18; 9:11; 11:1-6; 12:13, confute such notions.
What is forbidden is a self-made "righteousness" which would constrain God to grant salvation to man's works, and ceremonial strictness with which it wearies itself profitlessly; also that speculation which would fathom God's inscrutable counsels (Ec 8:17). "Under the sun" or "the heavens" is another characteristic phrase (Ec 1:13; compare Ec 7:11; 11:7; 12:2). Irresistible death is what stamps "vanity" on earthly aims and works (Ec 1:4; 8:8).; in this respect man has "no preeminence above a beast" (Ec 3:19). With all man's ceaseless round of toils he returns to the point from whence he came, like the winds and the currents (Ec 1:5-11). He can bring forth no "new" thing, nor ensure his "remembrance." "What profit then hath he of all his labor?" Ec 1:3 answering to Mt 16
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then the LORD God shope man, even of the mold of the earth, and breathed into his face the breath of life. So man was made a living soul.
And in Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, "Ask what I shall give thee." And Solomon said, "Thou hast showed unto thy servant David, my father, great mercy; according as he walked before thee in truth and in righteousness and plainness of heart with thee. And thou hast kept for him this great mercy, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his seat: as it is come to pass this day. read more. And now LORD, my God, it is thou that hast made thy servant king instead of David my father. And I am a young lad and know not how to order myself. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a people that are so many that they can not be told nor numbered for multitude. Give therefore unto thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, and to discern between good, and bad. For who is able to judge this, thy so weighty a people?" And it pleased the LORD well, that Solomon had desired this thing. Wherefore God said unto him, "Because thou hast asked this thing and hast not asked long life, neither hast asked riches, nor the lives of thine enemies, but hast asked the discretion to understand equity: see, I have done according to thy petition. And behold, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And thereto I have given thee that thou askedst not, both riches and honour: so that there shall be no king like thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep mine ordinances and commandments as David thy father did walk, I will lengthen thy days also."
And Judah and Israel were many, even as the sand of the sea in number, eating, drinking, and making merry.
And Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs. And his songs were a thousand and five. And he disputed of trees, even from the Cedar tree that groweth in Lebanon unto the Hyssop that springeth out of the wall. And he disputed of beasts, fowls, worms, and fishes. read more. And there came of all nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all kings of the earth which had heard of his wisdom.
And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, "Concerning the house which thou art in building: if thou wilt walk in mine ordinances and execute my laws and keep all my commandments, to walk in them; then will I make good unto thee my promises which I promised David thy father.
And when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD and of the king's palace, and of all that his desire and lust was to make:
And she came to Jerusalem with a mighty great multitude of Camels that bare sweet odours and gold exceeding much, and precious stones. And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
Happy are thy men: and happy are these thy servants, which stand ever before thee and hear thy wisdom.
And all the world resorted to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
Then was the LORD angry with Solomon because his heart turned from the LORD God of Israel which appeared unto him twice, and gave him a charge of this thing that he should not follow other gods. But he kept not that which the LORD commanded him: read more. whereupon the LORD said to Solomon, "Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept mine covenant and mine ordinances which I have commanded thee, therefore I will rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, one Hadad, an Edomite and of the king's lineage of Edom.
And God stirred up another adversary, one Rezon the son of Eliada, which fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah his master.
And the king said unto me, the queen his wife sitting by him, "How long shall thy journey continue, and when wilt thou come again?" And it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a time,
Therefore said he unto them, "Go your way, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part unto them also that have not prepared themselves: for this day is holy unto our LORD. Be not ye sorry therefore: for the joy of the LORD is your strength." And the Levites stilled all the people, and said, "Hold your peace, for the day is holy: vex not ye yourselves." read more. And all the people went their way to eat and to drink, and to send part unto others, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
And the Jews set it up, and took it upon them and their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, that they would not miss to observe these two days yearly, according as they were written and appointed;
to confirm these days of Purim, in their time appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had ordained concerning them: like as they upon their soul and upon their seed had confirmed the acts of the fasting and of her complaint.
I can see no remedy. I shall live no more. O spare me then, for my days are but vain.
My praise is of thee in the great congregation; my vows will I perform in the sight of them that fear him.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and with thine ears consider my calling; hold not thy peace at my tears. For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
high and low, rich and poor, one with another. My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall muse of understanding. read more. I will incline mine ear to the parable, and show my dark speech upon the harp.
Nevertheless, my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my truth to fail.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do thereafter. The praise of it endureth forever.
For he shall never be moved, and the righteous shall be had in an everlasting remembrance.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. But fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear thy father's doctrine, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Wisdom crieth without and putteth forth her voice in the streets.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of holy things is understanding.
These are the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king of Jerusalem. All is but vanity - sayeth the Preacher - all is but plain vanity. read more. For what else hath a man, of all the labor that he taketh under the Sun?
For what else hath a man, of all the labor that he taketh under the Sun? One generation passeth away, another cometh, but the earth abideth still.
One generation passeth away, another cometh, but the earth abideth still. The Sun ariseth, the sun goeth down, and returneth to his place, that he may there rise up again.
The Sun ariseth, the sun goeth down, and returneth to his place, that he may there rise up again. The wind goeth toward the South and turneth unto the North, fetcheth his compass, whirleth about, and goeth forth and returneth again to his circuits from whence he did come.
The wind goeth toward the South and turneth unto the North, fetcheth his compass, whirleth about, and goeth forth and returneth again to his circuits from whence he did come. All floods run into the sea, and yet the sea is not filled: for look, unto what place the waters run, thence they come again.
All floods run into the sea, and yet the sea is not filled: for look, unto what place the waters run, thence they come again. All things are so hard, that no man can express them. The eye is not satisfied with sight; the ear is not filled with hearing.
All things are so hard, that no man can express them. The eye is not satisfied with sight; the ear is not filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, cometh to pass again; and the thing that hath been done, again is done - there is nothing new under the Sun.
The thing that hath been, cometh to pass again; and the thing that hath been done, again is done - there is nothing new under the Sun. Is there anything, whereof it may be said, "Lo, this is new?" For it was long ago in the times that have been before us.
Is there anything, whereof it may be said, "Lo, this is new?" For it was long ago in the times that have been before us. The thing that is past, is out of remembrance; Even so the things that are for to come, shall no more be thought upon among them that come after.
The thing that is past, is out of remembrance; Even so the things that are for to come, shall no more be thought upon among them that come after. I myself, the Preacher, being king of Israel and Jerusalem,
I myself, the Preacher, being king of Israel and Jerusalem, applied my mind to seek out and search for the knowledge of all things that are done under heaven. Such travail and labor hath God given to the children of men, to exercise themselves therein.
The crooked cannot be made straight, and the faults cannot be numbered.
The crooked cannot be made straight, and the faults cannot be numbered. I communed with mine own heart, saying, "Lo, I am come to a great estate, and have gotten more wisdom, than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem." Yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge,
Then said I thus in my heart, "Now go to, I will take mine ease and have good days." But lo, that was vanity also: insomuch that I said unto laughter, "Thou art mad," and to mirth, "What doest thou?" read more. So I thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wine, to apply my mind unto wisdom, and to comprehend foolishness until the time that among all the things which are under the Sun, I might see what were best for men to do, so long as they live under heaven. I made gorgeous fair works. I builded me houses, and planted vineyards. I made me orchards and gardens of pleasure, and planted trees in them of all manner fruits. I made pools of water, to water the green and fruitful trees withal. I bought servants and maidens, and had a great household. As for cattle and sheep, I had more substance of them than all they that were before me in Jerusalem. I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make man mirth and pastime. I gat me drinking cups also and glasses. Shortly, I was greater and in more worship, than all my predecessors in Jerusalem. For wisdom remained with me: And look whatsoever mine eyes desired, I let them have it: and wherein soever my heart delighted, or had any pleasure, I withheld it not from it. Thus my heart rejoiced in all that I did, and this I took for the portion of all my travail. But when I considered all the works that my hands had wrought, and all the labours that I had taken therein: Lo, all was vanity and vexation of mind, and nothing of any value under the Sun. Then turned I me to consider wisdom, error and foolishness: for what is he among men, that might be compared to me the king in such work? And I saw that wisdom excelleth foolishness, as far as light doth darkness. For a wise man beareth his eyes about in his head, but the fool goeth in the darkness. I perceived also that they both had one end. Then thought I in my mind, "If it happeneth unto the fool as it doth unto me, what needeth me then to labour any more for wisdom?" So I confessed within my heart, that this also was but vanity. For the wise are ever as little in remembrance as the foolish, and all the days for to come shall be forgotten, yea the wise man dieth as well as the fool.
Is it not better then for a man to eat and drink, and his soul to be merry in his labour? Yea I saw that this also was a gift of God:
Is it not better then for a man to eat and drink, and his soul to be merry in his labour? Yea I saw that this also was a gift of God:
Every thing hath a time; yea, all that is under the heaven, hath his convenient season.
All this hath he ordained marvelous goodly, to every thing his due time. He hath planted ignorance also in the hearts of men, that they should not find out the ground of his works, which he doth from the beginning to the end.
All this hath he ordained marvelous goodly, to every thing his due time. He hath planted ignorance also in the hearts of men, that they should not find out the ground of his works, which he doth from the beginning to the end. So I perceived, that in these things there is nothing better for a man, then to be merry and to do well so long as he liveth.
So I perceived, that in these things there is nothing better for a man, then to be merry and to do well so long as he liveth.
So I perceived, that in these things there is nothing better for a man, then to be merry and to do well so long as he liveth. For all that a man eateth and drinketh, yea whatsoever a man enjoyeth of all his labor, the same is a gift of God.
For all that a man eateth and drinketh, yea whatsoever a man enjoyeth of all his labor, the same is a gift of God. I considered also that whatsoever God doth, it continueth forever, and that nothing can be put unto it, nor taken from it: And that God doth it to the intent that men should fear him.
Then thought I in my mind, "God shall separate the righteous from the ungodly, and then shall be the time and judgment of all counsels and works."
For it happeneth unto men as it doth unto beasts, and as the one dieth, so dieth the other. Yea, they have both one manner of breath, so that - in this - a man hath no preeminence above a beast, but all are subdued unto vanity.
For it happeneth unto men as it doth unto beasts, and as the one dieth, so dieth the other. Yea, they have both one manner of breath, so that - in this - a man hath no preeminence above a beast, but all are subdued unto vanity.
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the breath of the beast that goeth down into the earth? Wherefore I perceive, that there is nothing better for a man, than to be joyful in his labour, for that is his portion. But who will bring him to see the thing that shall come after him?
Wherefore I perceive, that there is nothing better for a man, than to be joyful in his labour, for that is his portion. But who will bring him to see the thing that shall come after him?
So I turned me, and considered all the violent wrong that is done under the Sun, and beheld the tears of such as were oppressed; and there was no man to comfort them or that would deliver and defend them from the violence of their oppressors.
So I turned me, and considered all the violent wrong that is done under the Sun, and beheld the tears of such as were oppressed; and there was no man to comfort them or that would deliver and defend them from the violence of their oppressors. Wherefore I judged those that are dead, to be more happy than such as be alive. read more. Yea, him that is yet unborn to be better at ease than they both, because he seeth not the miserable works that are done under the Sun.
"One handful," sayeth he, "is better with rest, than both the hands full with labor and travail."
There is one man, no more but himself alone, having neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of his careful travail, his eyes cannot be satisfied with riches. Yet, doth he not remember himself, and say, "For whom do I take such travail? For whose pleasure do I thus consume away my life?" This is also a vain and miserable thing.
Be not hasty with thy mouth, and let not thine heart speak anything rashly before God. For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few.
Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh for to sin, neither say thou before the angel that it is thy ignorance. For then God will be angry at thy voice, and destroy all the works of thine hands.
If thou seest the poor to be oppressed and wrongfully dealt withal, so that equity and the right of the law is wrested in the land: marvel not thou at such judgment, for one great man keepeth touch with another, and the mighty help themselves together.
Whereas many riches are, there are many also that spend them away. And what pleasure more hath he that possesseth them, saving that he may look upon them with his eyes? A labouring man sleepeth sweetly, whether it be little or much that he eateth; but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. read more. Yet is there a sore plague, which I have seen under the sun: namely, riches kept to the hurt of him that hath them in possession. For oft times they perish with his great misery and trouble: and if he have a child it getteth nothing. Like as he came naked out of his mother's womb, so goeth he thither again, and carryeth nothing away with him of all his labour.
All the days of his life also must he eat in the dark, with great carefulness, sickness and sorrow. Therefore me think it a better and fairer thing, a man to eat and drink, and to be refreshed of all his labour that he taketh under the Sun all the days of his life which God giveth him: for this is his portion.
Therefore me think it a better and fairer thing, a man to eat and drink, and to be refreshed of all his labour that he taketh under the Sun all the days of his life which God giveth him: for this is his portion.
When God giveth a man riches, goods and honour, so that he wanteth nothing of all that his heart can desire, and yet God giveth him not leave to enjoy the same, but another man spendeth them. This is a vain thing and a miserable plague.
Yea, though he lived two thousand years, yet hath he no good life. Come not all to one place?
It is better to go into a house of mourning, than into a banquet house: For there is the end of all men, and he that is living taketh it to heart.
It is better to go into a house of mourning, than into a banquet house: For there is the end of all men, and he that is living taketh it to heart. It is better to be sorry than to laugh, for when the countenance is heavy the heart is joyful. read more. The heart of the wise is in the mourning house; but the heart of the foolish is in the house of mirth. It is better to give ear to the chastening of a wise man, than to hear the song of fools. For the laughing of fools is like the crackling of thorns under a pot. And that is but a vain thing.
Wisdom is better than riches; yea, much more worth than the eyesight.
Consider the work of God, how that no man can make the thing straight, which he maketh crooked.
Consider the work of God, how that no man can make the thing straight, which he maketh crooked.
These two things also have I considered in the time of vanity: that the just man perisheth for his righteousness' sake, and the ungodly liveth in his wickedness. Therefore be thou neither too righteous nor over wise, that thou perish not: read more. be neither too unrighteous also nor too foolish, lest thou die before thy time. It is good for thee to take hold of this, and not to let that go out of thy hand. For he that feareth God shall escape them all.
Behold - sayeth the preacher - this have I diligently searched out and proved, that I might come by knowledge: which as yet I seek, and find it not.
Lo, this only have I found, that God made man just and right, but they seek divers subtleties.
Neither is there any man that hath power over the spirit, to keep still the spirit, nor to have any power in the time of death: it is not he also that can make an end of the battle, neither may ungodliness deliver him that meddleth withall.
For I have oft seen the ungodly brought to their graves, and fallen down from the high and glorious place; insomuch that they were forgotten in the city where they were had in so high and great reputation. This is also a vain thing. Because now that evil works are not hastily punished, the heart of man giveth himself over unto wickedness. read more. But though an evil person offend a hundredth times, and have a long life: yet am I sure, that it shall go well with them that fear God, because they have him before their eyes.
Yet is there a vanity upon earth: there be just men, unto whom it happeneth, as though they had the works of the ungodly; Again, there be ungodly, with whom it goeth as though they had the works of the righteous. This me think also a vain thing. Therefore I commend gladness, because a man hath no better thing under the Sun, than to eat and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall he have of his labour all the days of his life, which God giveth him under the Sun.
Therefore I commend gladness, because a man hath no better thing under the Sun, than to eat and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall he have of his labour all the days of his life, which God giveth him under the Sun.
I understood of all the works of God, that it is not possible for a man, to attain unto works that are done under the Sun: and though he bestow his labour to seek them out, yet can he not reach unto them: yea, though a wise man would undertake to know them, yet might he not find them.
It happeneth unto one as unto another; It goeth with the righteous as with the ungodly; with the good and clean as with the unclean; with him that offereth as with him that offereth not; like as it goeth with the virtuous, so goeth it also with the sinner; As it happeneth unto the perjured, so happeneth it also unto him that is afraid to be foresworn.
It happeneth unto one as unto another; It goeth with the righteous as with the ungodly; with the good and clean as with the unclean; with him that offereth as with him that offereth not; like as it goeth with the virtuous, so goeth it also with the sinner; As it happeneth unto the perjured, so happeneth it also unto him that is afraid to be foresworn. Among all things that come to pass under the Sun, this is a mystery, that it happeneth unto all alike. This is the cause also that the hearts of men are full of wickedness, and mad foolishness is in their hearts, as long as they live, until they die. read more. And why? As long as a man liveth, he is careless: for a quick dog, say they, is better than a dead lion. For they that be living, know that they shall die: but they that be dead, know nothing, neither deserve they anymore. For their memorial is forgotten,
For they that be living, know that they shall die: but they that be dead, know nothing, neither deserve they anymore. For their memorial is forgotten, so that they be neither loved, hated nor envied: neither have they anymore part in the world, in all that is done under the Sun.
so that they be neither loved, hated nor envied: neither have they anymore part in the world, in all that is done under the Sun. Go thou thy way then, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God.
Go thou thy way then, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God.
Go thou thy way then, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God.
Go thou thy way then, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God. Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment.
Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment.
Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment. Use thy self to live joyfully with thy wife whom thou lovest, all the days of thy life which is but vanity, that God hath given thee under the Sun; all the days of thy vanity. For that is thy portion in this life, of all thy labor and travail that thou takest under the Sun.
Use thy self to live joyfully with thy wife whom thou lovest, all the days of thy life which is but vanity, that God hath given thee under the Sun; all the days of thy vanity. For that is thy portion in this life, of all thy labor and travail that thou takest under the Sun.
Use thy self to live joyfully with thy wife whom thou lovest, all the days of thy life which is but vanity, that God hath given thee under the Sun; all the days of thy vanity. For that is thy portion in this life, of all thy labor and travail that thou takest under the Sun. Whatsoever thou takest in hand to do, that do with all thy power: for among the dead, where thou goest unto, there is neither work, counsel, knowledge nor wisdom.
Whatsoever thou takest in hand to do, that do with all thy power: for among the dead, where thou goest unto, there is neither work, counsel, knowledge nor wisdom.
Whatsoever thou takest in hand to do, that do with all thy power: for among the dead, where thou goest unto, there is neither work, counsel, knowledge nor wisdom.
Whatsoever thou takest in hand to do, that do with all thy power: for among the dead, where thou goest unto, there is neither work, counsel, knowledge nor wisdom. So I turned me unto other things under the Sun, and I saw that in running it helpeth not to be swift; in battle it helpeth not to be strong; to feeding it helpeth not to be wise; to riches, it helpeth not to be suttle; to be had in favour, it helpeth not to be cunning: but that all lieth in time and fortune.
So I turned me unto other things under the Sun, and I saw that in running it helpeth not to be swift; in battle it helpeth not to be strong; to feeding it helpeth not to be wise; to riches, it helpeth not to be suttle; to be had in favour, it helpeth not to be cunning: but that all lieth in time and fortune.
The words out of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will destroy himself.
Send thy victuals over the waters, and so shalt thou find them after many years. Give part sven days, and also upon the eighth, for thou knowest not what misery shall come upon earth. read more. When the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth. And when the tree falleth, whether it be toward the South or North, in what place soever it fall, there it lieth. He that regardeth the wind, shall not sow; and he that hath respect unto the clouds, shall not reap. Now, like as thou knowest not the way of the wind, nor how the bones are filled in a mother's womb: Even so thou knowest not the works of God, which is the workmaster of all.
Now, like as thou knowest not the way of the wind, nor how the bones are filled in a mother's womb: Even so thou knowest not the works of God, which is the workmaster of all. Cease not thou therefore with thy hands to sow thy seed, whether it be in the morning or in the evening: for then knowest not whether this or that shall prosper, and if they both take, it is the better. read more. The light is sweet, and a pleasant thing is it for the eyes to look upon the Sun.
Be glad then, O thou young man, in thy youth, and let thine heart be merry in thy young days; follow the ways of thine own heart, and the lust of thine eyes: but be thou sure, that God shall bring thee into judgment for all these things.
Remember thy maker in thy youth, before the days of adversity come, and or the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, "I have no pleasure in them";
Remember thy maker in thy youth, before the days of adversity come, and or the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, "I have no pleasure in them"; before the sun, the light, the moon and stars be darkened, and or the clouds turn again after the rain;
Or dust be turned again unto earth from whence it came, and or the spirit return unto God, which gave it.
The same preacher was not wise alone, but taught the people knowledge also: he gave good heed, sought out the ground and set forth many parables.
Let us hear the conclusion of all things: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that toucheth all men;
Let us hear the conclusion of all things: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that toucheth all men;
Let us hear the conclusion of all things: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that toucheth all men;
Let us hear the conclusion of all things: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that toucheth all men; For God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good or evil.
For God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good or evil.
For God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good or evil.
For God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good or evil.
Let all valleys be exalted, and every mountain and hill be laid low. Whatso is crooked, let it be made straight, and let the rough places be made plain fields.
"Remember not things of old, and regard nothing that is past. Behold, I shall make a new thing, and shortly shall it appear. Ye shall well know it; I told it you afore, but I will tell it you again. I will make streets in the desert, and rivers of water in the wilderness.
Then shall the Gentiles see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory. Thou shalt be named with a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall show.
For lo, I shall make a new heaven, and a new earth. And as for the old, they shall never be thought upon, nor kept in mind:
Thinkest thou to reign, now that thou provokest me to wrath with thy Cedar trees? Did not thy father eat and drink, and prosper well, as long as he dealt with equity and righteousness?
Behold, the days come, sayeth the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
And I will give you one heart, and will plant a new spirit within your bowels. That stony heart will I take out of your body, and give you a fleshly heart:
Cast away from you all your ungodliness that ye have done: make you new hearts and a new spirit. Wherefore will ye die, O ye house of Israel?
The very same hour was this matter fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: so that he was cast out of men's company, and ate grass like an ox; His body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were as great as Eagle's feathers, and his nails like bird's claws.
At the same time was mine understanding given me again, and I was restored to the honour of my kingdom, to my dignity, and to my own shape again. My great estates and princes sought unto me, and I was set in my kingdom again, so that I had yet greater worship.
But they that fear God, say thus one to another, 'The LORD considereth and heareth it. Yea, it is before him a memorial book, written for such as fear the LORD, and remember his name.'
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
"And when ye pray, babble not much, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard, for their much babbling's sake.
"See that ye gather not treasure together upon the earth, where rust and moths corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But gather ye treasures together in heaven, where neither rust, nor yet moths corrupt: and where thieves neither break up, nor yet steal. read more. For wheresoever your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is thine eye: wherefore if thine eye be single, all thy body shall be full of light. But and if thine eye be wicked, then all thy body shall be full of darkness. Wherefore if the light that is in thee, be darkness: how great is that darkness? No man can serve two masters: For either he shall hate the one, and love the other; or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
No man can serve two masters: For either he shall hate the one, and love the other; or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, be not careful for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what raiment ye shall put on. Is not the life more worth than meat? and the body more of value than raiment?
Therefore I say unto you, be not careful for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what raiment ye shall put on. Is not the life more worth than meat? and the body more of value than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither reap, nor yet carry into the barns, and yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither reap, nor yet carry into the barns, and yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you, though he took thought therefore, could put one cubit unto his stature?
Which of you, though he took thought therefore, could put one cubit unto his stature? And why care ye then for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They labor not, neither spin:
And why care ye then for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They labor not, neither spin: And yet for all that, I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty, was not arrayed like unto one of these.
And yet for all that, I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty, was not arrayed like unto one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow shall be cast into the furnace, shall he not much more do the same unto you, O ye of little faith?
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow shall be cast into the furnace, shall he not much more do the same unto you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?' Or. 'What shall we drink?' Or, 'Wherewith shall we be clothed?'
Therefore take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?' Or. 'What shall we drink?' Or, 'Wherewith shall we be clothed?' After all these things seek the gentiles: For your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
After all these things seek the gentiles: For your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But rather, seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof; and all these things shall be ministered unto you.
But rather, seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof; and all these things shall be ministered unto you. Care not then for the morrow: but let the morrow care for itself. For the day present hath ever enough of his own trouble.
Care not then for the morrow: but let the morrow care for itself. For the day present hath ever enough of his own trouble.
What shall it profit a man, though he should win all the whole world, if he lose his own soul? Or else, what shall a man give to redeem his soul again withal?
"Wherefore, Behold, I send unto you prophets, wise men, and scribes. And of them: some shall ye kill and crucify, and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; that upon you may come all the righteous blood that was shed upon the earth: from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zachariah the son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar: read more. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall light upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest prophets, and stonest them which are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen gathereth her chicks under her wings? But ye would not.
"Therefore said the wisdom of God: I will send them prophets and apostles, and of them they shall slay and persecute:
But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?'
The wind bloweth where he listeth, and thou hearest his sound: but canst not tell whence he cometh and whither he goeth. So is every man that is born of the spirit."
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work.
Surely, very much. First: unto them was committed the word of God.
That I have fought with beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not again? "Let us eat and drink, tomorrow we shall die." Be not deceived: malicious speakings corrupt good manners.
For Christ is to me life, and death is to me advantage. If it chance me to live in the flesh, that is to me fruitful for to work, and what to choose I know not. read more. I am constrained of two things. I desire to be loosed, and to be with Christ, which thing is best of all:
Be not careful: but in all things show your petition unto God in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your hearts, and minds in Christ Jesus.
Let your speech be always well favoured and be powdered with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man.
but is now declared openly by the appearing of our saviour Jesus Christ, which hath put away death, and hath brought life and immortality unto light through the gospel,
All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all, Amen. {Here ends the Epistle of Saint Paul unto Titus, Written from Nicopolis, a city of Macedonia.}
Wherefore, dear brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.