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

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.

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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

Therefore beware, my son, that above these thou make them not many and innumerable books, nor take divers doctrines in hand, to weary thy body withal.