Ecclesiastes

The Teacher declares everything is meaningless—a chasing after the wind. Generations come and go but the earth endures. There is nothing new under the sun. Increasing wisdom brings increasing sorrow.

The Teacher tests pleasure, wealth, work, and achievement. He builds great works and acquires everything—then declares it all meaningless. A wise person and a fool share the same fate: death. He concludes that enjoyment of work is a gift from God.

The famous "time for everything" poem: a time to be born and die, weep and laugh, love and hate. God has made everything beautiful in its time and set eternity in the human heart. No one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

The Teacher observes oppression, envy, and loneliness under the sun. Two are better than one because they can help each other. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king.

Warnings about hasty words before God—let your words be few. Better not to vow than to vow and not fulfil. The lover of money never has enough. Wealth brings anxiety. The Teacher affirms that enjoyment of God's gifts is itself a gift.

A man who has wealth but cannot enjoy it—this is a grievous evil. God may give prosperity but withhold the power to enjoy it. No amount of longevity or offspring compensates for a joyless existence.

A collection of reflections on wisdom, suffering, and balance. A good name is better than fine perfume. Sorrow is better than laughter because it deepens the heart. Do not be overrighteous or overwicked. No one on earth is truly righteous.

The Teacher observes that wickedness sometimes goes unpunished while the righteous suffer. Yet he affirms that it will be better for those who fear God. No one has power over the day of death. He commends the enjoyment of life as God's gift amid uncertainty.

All share the same fate—death—regardless of righteousness or wickedness. The living at least know they will die. The Teacher advises: eat, drink, and enjoy life with the one you love, for this is your lot. Time and chance happen to everyone. Wisdom is better than strength but is often overlooked.

Practical wisdom sayings on foolishness, leadership, and speech. A little folly outweighs wisdom, like a dead fly spoils perfume. The fool multiplies words. Dig a pit and you may fall into it. A snake may bite the charmer.

The Teacher encourages bold, generous living. Cast your bread upon the waters and it will return. Sow seed in the morning and evening since you don't know which will prosper. Rejoice in your youth but know that God will judge.

The Teacher's conclusion. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the difficult days come. A beautiful, melancholy poem describes aging and death. The final verdict: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. God will bring every deed into judgment.