I told myself, "I will test you with pleasure, so enjoy yourself." But this was pointless.

I decided to indulge in wine, while still remaining committed to wisdom. I also tried to indulge in foolishness, just enough to determine whether it was good for human beings under heaven given the short time of their lives.

Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.

a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;

That which was, now is; and that which will be, already is; and God examines what has already taken place.

I also examined on earth: where the halls of justice were supposed to be, there was lawlessness; and where the righteous were supposed to be, there was lawlessness. 17I told myself, "God will judge both the righteous and the wicked, because there is a time set to judge every event and every work."

There was no end to all of his subjects or to all of the people who had come before them. But those who come along afterward will not be happy with him. This is also pointless and a chasing after wind.

Never let your mouth cause you to sin and don't proclaim in the presence of the angel, "My promise was a mistake," for why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy what you've undertaken?

I used my wisdom to test all of this. I said, "I want to be wise," but it was beyond me.

There was a little city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built massive siege ramps against it.

Now there was found within it a poor, but wise man. He delivered the city by his wisdom, but not one person remembered that poor man.

then man's dust will go back to the earth, returning to what it was, and the spirit will return to the God who gave it.

Sayings from the wise are like cattle prods and well fastened nails; this masterful collection was given by one shepherd.