And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him.

Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.

Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.

But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.

The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.

Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.