The Vanity of Life

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

The Grief of Wisdom

I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds.

The End of the Wise and the Fool

Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly; For what can the man do who succeeds the king?— Only what he has already done.

Popularity Passes Away

Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.

For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom.

There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

Obey Authorities for God’s Sake

I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God.

Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, “What are you doing?”

There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it.

Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, And your princes feast in the morning!

Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, And your princes feast at the proper time— For strength and not for drunkenness!

Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.