The words of the Proclaimer, son of David, king in Jerusalem.

I, the Proclaimer, was king over Israel, in Jerusalem.

Thus turned, I, to look at wisdom, and madness and folly, - for what can the man do more who cometh after the king? save that which, already, men have done.

Better a boy poor and wise, - than a king, old and stupid, who knoweth not how to take warning any longer.

And, the profit of the earth, is, for all, - a king, by the field, is served.

I said , The bidding of the king, observe thou, even out of regard to the oath of God.

Where the word of a king is, there is power, - who then may say to him, What wouldst thou do?

A little city, and men therein few, - and there came against it a great king, and surrounded it, and built against it large siege-works;

Alas! for thee, O land, when thy king is a boy, - and, thy rulers, in the morning, do eat:

How happy art thou, O land, when thy king is a son of nobles, - and, thy rulers, in season, do eat, for strength, and not for debauchery.

Even in thy thought, do not revile, the king, nor, within thy bed-chambers, revile thou the rich, - for, a bird of the heavens, might carry the voice, yea, an owner of wings, might tell the matter.