So I became great and excelled more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

I have seen all the living under the sun join with the second youth (the king’s acknowledged successor) who replaces him.

If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight [of corruption]; for a higher official watches over another official, and there are higher ones over them [looking out for one another].

Through laziness the rafters [of state affairs] decay and the roof sags, and through idleness [the roof of] the house leaks.