Their duties, whether significant or insignificant, whether performed by teacher or pupil alike, were assigned by lottery.

"Indeed, God is exalted in his power. Who is like him as a teacher?

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

"Utterly pointless," says the Teacher. "Absolutely pointless; everything is pointless."

I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.

"Look at this," says the Teacher. "Linking one thing to another, I reached this conclusion:

"Utterly pointless," says the Teacher. "Everything is pointless."

Moreover, besides being wise himself, the Teacher taught people what he had learned by listening, making inquiries, and composing many proverbs.

The Teacher searched to find appropriate expressions, and what is written here is right and truthful.

"Where is the benefit in owning a carved image, that motivates its maker to carve it? It is only a cast image a teacher that lies because the engraver entrusts himself to his carving, crafting speechless idols.