In the same way, it is better to go to a funeral than a celebration. Why? because death is the end of life’s journey, and the living should always take that to heart.

Sorrow beats foolish laughter; embracing sadness somehow gladdens our hearts.

A wise heart is well acquainted with grief, but a foolish heart seeks only pleasure’s company.

Oppression can turn the wise into fools, and a bribe can damage the noblest heart.

Don’t take to heart all that people say; eventually you may hear your servant curse you.

And face it, your heart has overheard how often you’ve cursed others.

So I turned and dedicated my heart to knowing more, to digging deeper, to searching harder for wisdom and the reasons things are as they are. I applied myself to understanding the connection between wickedness and folly, between folly and madness.

Along this journey, I discovered something more bitter than death—a seductive woman. Her heart is a trap and net. Her hands shackle your wrists. Those who seek to please God will escape her clutches, but sinners will be caught in her trap.

Whoever does what the king commands will stay out of trouble, and the wise heart will figure out the proper time and proper way to proceed.

And so I heartily recommended that you pursue joy, for the best a person can do under the sun is to enjoy life. Eat, drink, and be happy. If this is your attitude, joy will carry you through the toil every day that God gives you under the sun.

Here is an evil that pervades all that is done under the sun: the same destiny happens to us all. Human hearts are inclined toward evil; madness runs deep throughout our lives. And then what happens? We die.

Light is sweet; one glimpse of the sun delights the eyes.

Be happy, and celebrate all of the goodness of youth while you are young. Cultivate a cheerful heart every day you have youth. Go where your heart takes you. Take in the sights. Enjoy, but remember that God will hold us accountable for all that we do.