The Futility of All Endeavors

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

God Set Eternity in the Heart of Mankind

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, without the possibility that mankind will find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

There was a man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches, and he never asked, “And for whom do I labor and deprive myself of pleasure?” This too is futility, and it is an unhappy task.

There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them. Even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him; for this too is futility and striving after wind.

It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every person, And the living takes it to heart.

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than arrogance of spirit.

One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them.

the beginning of his talking is foolishness, and the end of it is evil insanity.

But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive study is wearying to the body.