These are the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king of Jerusalem.

All these things are wearying; a man is not able to speak, the eye is not satisfied by seeing, nor filled is the ear from hearing.

Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: "All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless -- like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth."

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.

and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God.

To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God.

For there are many other words that increase futility. What then is the advantage for a man?

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

These two have I seen in my life which is to no purpose: a good man coming to his end in his righteousness, and an evil man whose days are long in his evil-doing.

It is good for you to grab hold of this and not let go, because whoever fears God will escape all of these extremes.

All these things have I proved because of wisdom: For I thought to be wise, but she went farther from me than she was before;

For which my soul is still searching, but I have it not; one man among a thousand have I seen; but a woman among all these I have not seen.

All these things have I considered, and applied my mind unto every work that is under the Sun: how one man hath lordship upon another to his own harm.

And so I saw the wicked buried, and they came and went from the holy place. And they were forgotten in the city, these things that they had done. This is also vanity.

For all these things purposed I in my mind to seek out. The righteous and wise, yea and their servants also are in the hand of God: and there is no man that knoweth either love or hate, but all things are before them.

For even man knoweth not his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, like these are the sons of man snared at an evil time, when it falleth upon them suddenly.

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

"Absolutely futile!" laments the Teacher, "All of these things are futile!"

The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

And further, my son, be admonished by these: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Let the conclusion of all of these thoughts be heard: Fear God and obey his commandments, for this is what it means to be human.