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
Jehovah God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. The man became a living being.
That night Jehovah appeared to him in a dream and asked him: What do you want me to give you? Solomon answered: You always showed great love for my father David, your servant. He was good, loyal, and honest in his relation with you. You have continued to show him your great and constant love by giving him a son who today rules in his place. read more. O Jehovah God, you allowed me to succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and do not know how to rule. I am among the people you have chosen to be your own. They are a people who are so many that they cannot be counted. Give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice. Help me know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours? Jehovah was pleased that Solomon asked for this. He said to him: Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies, I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had. There has never been nor will ever be anyone like you. I will also give you what you did not ask for. All your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king. If you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life.
The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore. They ate and drank and were very happy.
He wrote three thousand proverbs and more than a thousand songs. He spoke of trees and plants, from the Lebanon cedars to the hyssop that grows on walls. He talked about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. read more. Kings all over the world heard of his wisdom and sent people to listen to the Wisdom of Solomon.
Jehovah spoke to Solomon: If you obey all my laws and commands, I will do for you what I promised your father David.
Solomon finished building Jehovah's Temple, the royal palace, and everything else he wanted to build.
So she came to Jerusalem with a very large caravan. The camels carried spices and very much gold and precious stones. When she approached Solomon, she talked about everything she had on her mind (heart).
Happy are your wives, happy are your servants whose place is ever before you, hearing your words of wisdom.
They came from all over the earth to see Solomon and to listen to his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
Jehovah was angry with Solomon. This is because his heart turned away from Jehovah, the God of Israel, who had twice come to him in a vision. Jehovah had given him orders about this very thing that he was not to go after other gods. But he did not obey the orders of Jehovah. read more. So Jehovah said to Solomon: Because you have done this, and have not kept the agreement and laws I gave you, I will take the kingdom away from you by force and will give it to your servant.
Jehovah sent Hadad the Edomite to make trouble for Solomon. He was of the king's seed in Edom.
God also caused Rezon son of Eliada to turn against Solomon. Rezon had fled from his master, King Hadadezer of Zobah,
The queen sat by him when the king said: How long will your journey take? When will you come back? So the king was pleased to send me, and I gave him a fixed time.
He said to them: Go away now, and take the fat for your food and the sweet for your drink, and send some to him for whom nothing is made ready. This day is holy to our Lord. Let there be no grief in your hearts. The joy of Jehovah is your strong place. So the Levites made all the people quiet, saying: Be quiet, for the day is holy; and do not give way to grief. read more. All the people went away to take food and drink, and to send food to others, and to be glad, because the words that were said to them had been clearly communicated.
The Jews made a rule and established a custom that all their descendents should observe two days every year as ordered in the letter, at the fixed time every year.
Giving the force of law to these days of Purim at their fixed times, as they had been ordered by Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen. This was in keeping with the rules they had made for themselves and their descendents, in connection with their time of going without food and their cry for help.
I hate my life. I do not want to go on living. Oh, leave me alone for these few remaining days.
My praise comes from you while I am among those assembled for worship. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who respect Jehovah.
Hear my prayer, O Jehovah. Open your ear (listen) to my cry for help. Do not be deaf to my tears, for I am a foreign resident with you, a stranger like all my fathers.
Listen you common people and important ones, rich people and poor ones. My mouth will speak wisdom. I have carefully considered understanding (insights). read more. I will incline my ear (turn my attention) to a proverb. I will explain my riddle with the music of a harp.
But I will not take my loving kindness away from him or allow my truth to become perverted.
The respect and reverence for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. All who obey his commandments show good sense (insight) and understanding. His praise endures (continues) forever.
He will never be shaken. The righteous will be remembered.
Respect for Jehovah (YHWH) is the beginning of knowledge (truth) (understanding) (wisdom). Fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, listen to the instruction of your father. Do not forsake the law of your mother.
Wisdom calls you! She raises her voice in the streets and marketplaces.
Respect for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the holy One is understanding (discernment) (truth) (wisdom).
The words of the Preacher (assembler) (lecturer), the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. read more. What profit does a man have of all his labor that he works under the sun?
What profit does a man have of all his labor that he works under the sun? One generation goes and another generation comes, but the earth remains forever (without end).
One generation goes and another generation comes, but the earth remains forever (without end). The sun rises and the sun goes down, and it quickly goes back to the place where it began.
The sun rises and the sun goes down, and it quickly goes back to the place where it began. The wind blows toward the south, and it turns around to the north. It whirls around continually and the wind returns on its circuits.
The wind blows toward the south, and it turns around to the north. It whirls around continually and the wind returns on its circuits. All the rivers run into the sea yet the sea is not full. The rivers return to the place where they began.
All the rivers run into the sea yet the sea is not full. The rivers return to the place where they began. All things are wearisome; man is not able to tell. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
All things are wearisome; man is not able to tell. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. That which has been is that which will be. That which has been done is that which will be done. There is nothing new under the sun!
That which has been is that which will be. That which has been done is that which will be done. There is nothing new under the sun! Is there anything of which it may be said: See, this is new? It has already existed in days of old, which were before us.
Is there anything of which it may be said: See, this is new? It has already existed in days of old, which were before us. There is no memory of former things. Those who follow will not remember those who are yet to come.
There is no memory of former things. Those who follow will not remember those who are yet to come. I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I devoted myself to study and explored wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens. It is a grievous task God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
What is crooked cannot be made straight. What is lacking cannot be numbered.
What is crooked cannot be made straight. What is lacking cannot be numbered. I said to my heart, I have become great and have acquired more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has seen an abundance of wisdom and knowledge.
I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with rejoicing. Consider goodness. This also is vanity. I said of laughter: It is madness. And of pleasure: What does it do? read more. I searched in my mind how to stimulate my flesh with wine. My mind guided my heart with wisdom. I possessed foolishness until I could see what was good for the sons of men. I saw what they should do under the heavens all the days of their life. I made great works. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. I made myself parks and fruit gardens, planting in them fruit-trees of all kinds. I made water pools from which to water the young trees. I acquired male and female servants, and they gave birth to sons and daughters in my house. I had great wealth of herds and flocks, more than all who were in Jerusalem before me. I gathered silver and gold and the wealth of kings and of countries. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, girls of all sorts to be my brides. I became great and increased more than all who had been before me in Jerusalem and my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold joy from my heart. My heart took pleasure in all my work and this was my reward. I looked at all the works my hands accomplished. I saw everything I had worked to do. I saw that all was vanity and grasping for the wind. It was to no purpose for there was no profit under the sun. I went again in search of wisdom and of foolish ways. What can the man do that comes after the king? Only what he has already done. Then I saw that wisdom is better than foolish ways just as the light is better than the dark. The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the foolish man walks in darkness. Yet I saw that the same event happens to them all. Then I said in my heart: As it happens to the fool, so it will happen to me. Why have I been so wise? Then I said in my heart: This also is vanity. Neither the wise man nor the foolish man will be remembered for long. All that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. Death comes to both the wise and the foolish.
There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink, and delight in his work. This also I saw was from the hand of God.
There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink, and delight in his work. This also I saw was from the hand of God.
For everything there is a season. There is a time for every purpose under the sun.
He made everything appropriate (beautiful) (good) in its time. God placed eternity in the heart of man. For man is unable to see the works of God from the first to the last.
He made everything appropriate (beautiful) (good) in its time. God placed eternity in the heart of man. For man is unable to see the works of God from the first to the last. I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to rejoice and to do good works in life.
I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to rejoice and to do good works in life.
I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to rejoice and to do good works in life. Every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor. It is the gift of God.
Every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor. It is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does it will be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor any thing taken from it. God does it in order that men should reverence (respect) him.
I said in my heart, God should judge the righteous and the wicked for there is a time for every purpose and for every work.
What happens to the sons of men also happens to animals. As the one dies so the other dies. Yes, they all have one breath so that a man has no advantage over animals. For all is vanity.
What happens to the sons of men also happens to animals. As the one dies so the other dies. Yes, they all have one breath so that a man has no advantage over animals. For all is vanity.
Who knows the breath of man that goes upward, and the breath of the animal that goes downward to the earth? I see there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works. That is his portion. Who will bring him to see what will happen after him?
I see there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works. That is his portion. Who will bring him to see what will happen after him?
I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed for they had no one to comfort them. The oppressors had power but they had no one to comfort them.
I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed for they had no one to comfort them. The oppressors had power but they had no one to comfort them. I praised the dead who are already dead more than the living who are yet alive. read more. Better off then both of them is the one who has not ever been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
One hand full of quietness is better than two hands full of trouble and striving after wind.
There is a man who is by himself, without a companion. He is without son or brother. There is no end to all his work. He never has enough wealth. Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. He never asks: For whom do I labor and deprive myself of pleasure? This too is vanity and a terrible problem.
Guard your step when you go to the house of God. It is better to go there and listen than to bring the sacrifices fools bring. Fools are not aware that they do evil. Do not be in a hurry to talk. Do not be eager to speak in the presence of God. Since God is in heaven and you are on earth, limit the number of your words.
Do not let your speech cause you to sin. Do not say to the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry because of what you say and destroy the work of your hands?
If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the country, do not be shocked at the sight. One official watches over another official and there are higher officials over them.
When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to see them? The sleep of the workingman is pleasant, whether he eats little or much. However the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. read more. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun. I have seen riches being hoarded by their owner to his downfall (distress). When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he fathered a son, then there was no support for him. We entered this world with nothing and naked and we will leave this world with nothing and naked.
All his days he eats in darkness. He has much sorrow and anger with his sickness. This is what I have seen. It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink and enjoy the good of his labor. He labors under the sun all the days of his life. For God gives this to him as his allotment (inheritance).
This is what I have seen. It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink and enjoy the good of his labor. He labors under the sun all the days of his life. For God gives this to him as his allotment (inheritance).
God has given man riches, wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires. Yet God has not empowered him to partake of them for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction.
Even though he lives a thousand years twice over, yet he has seen no good. Do not all go to one place?
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting. That is the end for all men and the living takes it to heart.
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting. That is the end for all men and the living takes it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness the appearance of the heart is made better. read more. The heart (feelings) of the wise is in the house of mourning. The heart of fools is in the house of rejoicing. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
Wisdom is good as an inheritance: It is an advantage to those who see the sun.
Consider the work of God. Who can make straight what he has made crooked?
Consider the work of God. Who can make straight what he has made crooked?
I have seen all things in the days of my vanity. There is a just man who perished in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolonged his life in his wickedness. Do not be righteous over much and do not be wise over much. Why should you destroy yourself? read more. Do not be wicked over much and do not be foolish. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this and also from this not withdraw your hand, for he who respects God will come forth from them all.
Behold, this I have found, says the preacher, counting one by one to find out the account:
You see! I have found only this, that God made man upright. But they have sought out many devices (schemes) (reasonings).
No man has the power to restrain the wind, to retain the breath of life. Neither does he have power in the day of death. There is no discharge from that war. Neither will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.
I saw the wicked buried, those who had come and gone out of the holy place. They were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also is vanity. Sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly. Therefore the hearts of the sons of men are fully committed to do evil. read more. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and he lives a long life, yet I know that it will be well with those who respect (reverence) God and worship him.
There is a futility that is done upon the earth. There are righteous men who get along as though they were wicked and there are wicked men who get along as though they were righteous. I said that this also is vanity. Then I commended enjoyment (pleasure), because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry. That will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.
Then I commended enjoyment (pleasure), because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry. That will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.
I saw all the work of God. A man cannot discover the work that is done under the sun. Though a man labor to seek it out, yet he will not find it. Though a wise man thinks to know it, yet he will not be able to find it.
The same thing comes to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrifices and to him that does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; and he that swears, as he that fears and refrains from an oath.
The same thing comes to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrifices and to him that does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; and he that swears, as he that fears and refrains from an oath. This evil is in all things that are done under the sun. There is one event that comes to all. The heart of the sons of men is full of evil. Madness is in their heart while they live. After that they go to the dead (die). read more. Whoever is joined to all the living has hope. A living dog is better than a dead lion. The living know that they will die! The dead do not know anything. They do not have any more reward. Their memory is forgotten.
The living know that they will die! The dead do not know anything. They do not have any more reward. Their memory is forgotten. Their love, their hatred, and their envy, is now gone, perished! They do not share anything that is done under the sun.
Their love, their hatred, and their envy, is now gone, perished! They do not share anything that is done under the sun. Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart for God now accepts your works.
Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart for God now accepts your works.
Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart for God now accepts your works.
Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart for God now accepts your works. Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of the life he has given you under the sun, all the days of your vanity. That is your share in this life and in your labor under the sun.
Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of the life he has given you under the sun, all the days of your vanity. That is your share in this life and in your labor under the sun.
Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of the life he has given you under the sun, all the days of your vanity. That is your share in this life and in your labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift. The battle is not to the strong. Bread does not go to the wise, or riches to men of understanding. Men of skill do not always receive favor, but time and unexpected circumstance happens to them all.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift. The battle is not to the strong. Bread does not go to the wise, or riches to men of understanding. Men of skill do not always receive favor, but time and unexpected circumstance happens to them all.
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and even to eight. You do not know what calamity will be upon the earth. read more. If the clouds are full of rain they empty themselves upon the earth. If the tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will be. He who observes the wind will not sow and he that regards the clouds will not reap. You do not know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of a pregnant woman. Even so you do not know the works of God who creates all.
You do not know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of a pregnant woman. Even so you do not know the works of God who creates all. In the morning sow your seed. In the evening do not withhold your hand. For you do not know which shall prosper. Whether they both will alike be good. read more. Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold the sun.
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth. Let your heart cheer you in your early days. Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the desires of your eyes. Yet you know that God will bring you into judgment for all these things.
Remember your Creator (Hebrew: Bara', plural, Creators denotes majesty) (Ge 1:26) in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near. You will say: I have no pleasure in them.
Remember your Creator (Hebrew: Bara', plural, Creators denotes majesty) (Ge 1:26) in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near. You will say: I have no pleasure in them. Before the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, are darkened, or the clouds return after the rain:
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was. The spirit (life) will return to God who gave it.
Moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. He gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Respect God, and obey his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Respect God, and obey his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Respect God, and obey his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Respect God, and obey his commandments for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.
For God will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.
For God will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.
For God will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.
Every valley will be raised up! Every mountain and hill made low. The rough ground will become level and the rugged places a plain.
Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Do you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.
The nations will see your righteousness. All kings will see your glory. You will be given a new name that Jehovah will designate.
Behold! I WILL CREATE A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
The time is coming, proclaims Jehovah, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
I will give them one (united) heart, and put a new spirit within them. I will take the heart of stone (unkind attitude) out of them and give them a heart of flesh (loving disposition).
Give up all the evil you have been doing. Get yourselves new minds and hearts. Why do you Israelites want to die?
That same hour it was fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from men and did eat grass like bulls. His body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hair grew like eagles' feathers, and his fingernails like birds' claws.
My understanding returned to me at that time. The glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me. My counselors and my lords came to me. I was established in my kingdom with excellent greatness.
Those who respected Jehovah spoke to one another, and Jehovah listened to what they had to say. In his presence a memorial record was written down in a book listing those who reverence Jehovah and respect (esteem) (regard) his name.
Blessed (Greek: makarios: happy, blessed) are those conscious of their spiritual need, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Large quantities of meaningless words and repetition are not acceptable in prayer. The pagans think their gods will hear long and repetitious prayers.
Do not accumulate large amounts of wealth on earth. This is where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. Accumulate wealth in heaven where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. read more. Your heart will be where you keep your wealth. The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eye is clear (simple) (focused) (single minded), your whole body will be full of [spiritual] light. But if your eye is wicked, your body will be in darkness. If that light in you is really darkness, how great a darkness it must be. You cannot serve two masters. You will hate one and love the other. You will be loyal to one master and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (wealth) (material possessions).
You cannot serve two masters. You will hate one and love the other. You will be loyal to one master and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (wealth) (material possessions). I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. And do not worry about your body, what you will wear. Is life worth more than food? And is the body worth more than clothes?
I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. And do not worry about your body, what you will wear. Is life worth more than food? And is the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds of the sky, they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you worth more than they?
Look at the birds of the sky, they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you worth more than they? Can you live longer by worrying about it?
Can you live longer by worrying about it? Why are you worried about clothing? Look at how the lilies of the field grow. They do not toil. They do not spin.
Why are you worried about clothing? Look at how the lilies of the field grow. They do not toil. They do not spin. I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like these.
I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like these. If God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, won't he care for you even more? You of little faith!
If God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, won't he care for you even more? You of little faith! Do not worry! Do not say: 'What shall we eat?' or, 'What shall we drink?' or, 'What shall we wear?'
Do not worry! Do not say: 'What shall we eat?' or, 'What shall we drink?' or, 'What shall we wear?' All people go in search of these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
All people go in search of these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Seek (desire) (require) (serve) first the kingdom of God and his righteousness [continuously] and all these things will be added to you.
Seek (desire) (require) (serve) first the kingdom of God and his righteousness [continuously] and all these things will be added to you. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have its own worries. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have its own worries. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.
What will a man profit, if he gains the whole world, and gives up his life? What will a man give in exchange for his life?
Look! I am sending you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will torture and kill. Others you will torment and persecute from city to city. You are responsible for all the righteous blood shed on earth. That includes the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. read more. I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation (those living at that time). Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you kill the prophets and stone the messengers who are sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings. But you were not willing!
It is for this reason the wisdom of God said, 'I send to them prophets and apostles and they will persecute and kill some of them.'
But God said to him: 'You fool this night you will give up your life. Then who will have all these things you accumulated?'
The wind blows where it will. You hear the sound of it. Yet you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. It is like this with every one who is born from the Spirit.
We must work the works of him that sent me while it is day. When the night comes no man can work.
We must work the works of him that sent me while it is day. When the night comes no man can work.
Much in every way. First they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
If I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me if the dead do not rise? Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I live in the flesh this will bring fruit from my labor. I do not know what to choose. read more. I am hard pressed between the two. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ for it is far better.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
The appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus revealed this. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the good news.
All that are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
You know this, my beloved brothers. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.