The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of flesh."- King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 12:11-12

I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives

The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of flesh."- The Teacher, Ecclesiastes 12:11-12

When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night-- then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all.But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.

Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence

I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.