¹⁰ Then too, I saw the wicked buried^(A)—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise^[a] in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.

¹¹ When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. ¹² Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better^(B) with those who fear God,^(C) who are reverent before him.^{(D) 13} Yet because the wicked do not fear God,^(E) it will not go well with them, and their days^(F) will not lengthen like a shadow.

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.^{(A) 10} The Teacher^(B) searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.^(C)

¹¹ The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails^(D)—given by one shepherd.^{[a] 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.^(E)