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

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!

Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.