传道者说:“虚空的虚空,一切都是虚空。” 传道者不但有智慧,还把知识传授给众人。他经过细心推敲和研究之后,编写了许多警世的箴言。 10 传道者费尽心思寻找金玉良言,所写的都是正直诚实的道理。 11 智者的言语好像赶牛的刺棍,他们收集的箴言像钉稳的钉子一样牢靠,都是一位牧者所赐的。 12 我亲爱的儿子,还有一件事,你要听我的忠告:著书多,没有穷尽;读书多,身体疲劳。

13 以上所说的,总而言之,就是要敬畏上帝,遵守祂的诫命,这是人的本分。 14 因为人一切的行为,无论善恶,包括一切隐秘事,上帝都必审问。

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“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.[a](A)
    “Everything is meaningless!(B)

The Conclusion of the Matter

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.(C) 10 The Teacher(D) searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.(E)

11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails(F)—given by one shepherd.[b] 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.(G)

13 Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God(H) and keep his commandments,(I)
    for this is the duty of all mankind.(J)
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,(K)
    including every hidden thing,(L)
    whether it is good or evil.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:8 Or the leader of the assembly; also in verses 9 and 10
  2. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or Shepherd