Everything Is Meaningless

1 The words of the Teacher,^[a](A) son of David, king in Jerusalem:^(B)

The Conclusion of the Matter

⁹ 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)

Wisdom Is Meaningless

¹² I, the Teacher,^(A) was king over Israel in Jerusalem.^(B)

²⁷ “Look,” says the Teacher,^[a](A) “this is what I have discovered:

⁴² Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. ⁴³ Then he rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam^(A) his son succeeded him as king.

⁵ if he did not spare the ancient world^(A) when he brought the flood on its ungodly people,^(B) but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;^(C)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor