Qoheleth / Ecclesiastes

http://www.humanreligions.info/ecclesiastes.html

By Vexen Crabtree 2012

#bible #solomon

Jewish Tanakh
Title: Qoheleth
Section: Ketuvim

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Next: Esther

Protestant Bibles
Title: Ecclesiastes
Section: Wisdom Books

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Next: Song of Solomon

Catholic Bible
Title: Ecclesiastes
Section: Wisdom

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Next: Canticle of Canticles

Eastern Orthodox Bibles
Title: Ecclesiastes
Section: Wisdom

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Next: Aisma Aismaton

Chapters in Ecclesiastes:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12
Total verses: 222

Another book that was said to be written by Solomon₁, but is now known to be written by someone before 168BCE₂_,₃. The text is vaguely philosophical although its ideas are undeveloped, and includes some discussions on wisdom, wealth and death but is in general completely different to other Hebrew writings in its concerns₂ except perhaps Proverbs. The text contains the personal whingings of a pessimistic and cynical thinker ("all is vanity!"), and it is not a religious text. It was disputed heavily by scholars who were trying to decide whether to consider this book part of the Bible₂.

“One of the Five Scrolls used on the Jewish festivals, Ecclesiastes is read at Sukkot (Tabernacles). Jewish editions of the Hebrew Bible place it within the Writings (Ketuvim); Christian editions of the Old Testament place it among the Poetic Books. The English title, Ecclesiastes, follows the Greek name of the book in the Septuagint and means 'one who addresses an assembly.' The Hebrew title Qohelet [...] might be translated 'female speaker in the assembly' ' ... However it is written with masculine verbs.”
"The Encyclopedia of Religion" by Eliade Mircea (1987)₂

“This book, written in Solomon's old age, is by no means comforting or inspiring. Everything in life seems to have been disappointing to him. Wealth, position, learning, all earthly possessions and acquirements he declares alike to be 'vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit.' To one whose life has been useful to others and sweet to himself, it is quite impossible to accept these pessimistic pictures of human destiny.”
"The Woman's Bible" by Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1898)₄

1. Solomon Did Not Write The Book of Ecclesiastes₅

#bible #christianity #israel #solomon

The book opens by saying that it contains the words of the son of David (Ecc 1:1) and later claims to be king of Israel (Ecc 1:1) and that the author is "fantastically rich and wise. In other words, he is claiming to be Solomon without using his name"₁. For this reason many scholars believe the book is a forgery₆. Others more kindly conclude that it is anonymous.

For a long time many believed it to be written by King Solomon₃ but no scholars today (except conservative Christians) think that this is the case. Some say the Book of Ecclesiastes was written around 200BCE₃ whilst others pinpoint before 168BCE₂. In general, this is about 600 years after the purported life of Solomon₆.

Because the book is presented as 'the words of the preacher' and the 'preacher' in question is always referred to in the third person, some conclude that Ecclesiastes is actually student's notebook, or, the writings of a teacher who was in the process of debating philosophical and secular themes.₂. The text contains no kingly text (except the claim of great riches - Eccl. 2:7-8), nor ever writes using insider royal knowledge, and so it seems likely it was indeed written by an outsider to royal circles.

“The Hebrew in which he wrote is quite different from that of the Prophets, Proverbs and Job, and is closer to the language of the rabbinic period. It also contains a number of Aramaisms and shows affinities with the Phoenician. [...] Because he knew nothing of the Seleucid persecutions or of the Maccabean Revolt, he probably wrote before 168 BCE. [... Some] consider the book as the intellectual diary of a lay teacher who reacted to the trends of a rising cosmopolitan culture. [...] According to another hypothesis, Qohelet argued with the opinions of his predecessors and also debated his own; the book represents classnotes by one of his students. [...]
Qohelet ignored the main themes of Hebrew faith, such as chosen people, covenants, revealed law, Zion, messianism, or any form of eschatology. [...]
Because Ecclesiastes differed dramatically from the rest of the Hebrew Bible [...] the canonicity of the book was disputed. The Tosefta, the Talmud, and the midrashim contained protracted rabbincal discussions on its value and sanctity. [...] Medieval Schoolmen and Protestant reformers used it to support their views on the depravity of man.”
"The Encyclopedia of Religion" by Eliade Mircea (1987)₂

“There is no way [the author] was Solomon. This book could not have been written until six hundred years after Solomon's death, as critical bibilical scholars agree today. [...] These views of Daniel and Ecclesiastes are almost universally held by critical scholars today. For an introductory discussion, see two of the leading textooks on the Hebrew Bible in use throughout American universities today: John J. Collins, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004); and Michael Coogan, The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (New York: Oxford University Press, 2006).”
"Forged" by Bart Ehrman (2011)₆

2. The 12 chapters of Ecclesiastes (222 verses)

Ecclesiastes 1 (18 verses) - There's no point to anything. Humans are greedy. The more you know, the sadder you are.

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.	Words of a preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:	Ecclesiastes 1:1 is mentioned on this page in 1. Solomon Did Not Write The Book of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 1:1 is referenced on this page in 1. Solomon Did Not Write The Book of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 1:4 is mentioned on Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun!: 5.1. Christian Arguments Against Astronomy Some comments on Ecclesiastes 1:5 are on Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun! For more on Ecclesiastes 1:5 see Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun!: 5.1. Christian Arguments Against Astronomy Some comments on Ecclesiastes 1:5 are on Christianity's 7 Day Creation Myth: 9. Conclusions For more on Ecclesiastes 1:5 see Mass Belief and the False Consensus Effect: Everyone Believes It So It Must Be True!: 3.2. The Earth is Flat, at the Center of the Universe, and the Sun Revolves Around it (3rd Century to present day) Ecclesiastes 1:5 is referenced on Science and Religion: 1. Religion Acting Against Science: The Dark Ages Ecclesiastes 1:5 is referenced on The Christian Dark Ages of Europe: 1.4. Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun! For more on Ecclesiastes 1:5 see Religion and Intelligence: 1.1. Bias When Searching for Truth Ecclesiastes 1:8,11: Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Ecclesiastes 1:8,11 is referenced on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament Some comments on Ecclesiastes 1:12-13,18 are on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Ecclesiastes 1:12-13,18 is discussed on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament
²	Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.	Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, Vanity of vanities: the whole `is' vanity.
³	What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?	What advantage `is' to man by all his labour that he laboureth at under the sun?
⁴	One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.	A generation is going, and a generation is coming, and the earth to the age is standing.
⁵	The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.	Also, the sun hath risen, and the sun hath gone in, and unto its place panting it is rising there.
⁶	The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.	Going unto the south, and turning round unto the north, turning round, turning round, the wind is going, and by its circuits the wind hath returned.
⁷	All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.	All the streams are going unto the sea, and the sea is not full; unto a place whither the streams are going, thither they are turning back to go.
⁸	All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.	All these things are wearying; a man is not able to speak, the eye is not satisfied by seeing, nor filled is the ear from hearing.
⁹	The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.	What `is' that which hath been? it `is' that which is, and what `is' that which hath been done? it `is' that which is done, and there is not an entirely new thing under the sun.
¹⁰	Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.	There is a thing of which `one' saith: `See this, it `is' new!' already it hath been in the ages that were before us!
¹¹	There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.	There is not a remembrance of former `generations'; and also of the latter that are, there is no remembrance of them with those that are at the last.
¹²	I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.	I, a preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
¹³	And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.	And I have given my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that hath been done under the heavens. It `is' a sad travail God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.
¹⁴	I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.	I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and lo, the whole `is' vanity and vexation of spirit!
¹⁵	That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.	A crooked thing `one' is not able to make straight, and a lacking thing is not able to be numbered.
¹⁶	I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.	I -- I spake with my heart, saying, `I, lo, I have magnified and added wisdom above every one who hath been before me at Jerusalem, and my heart hath seen abundantly wisdom and knowledge.
¹⁷	And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.	And I give my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I have known that even this `is' vexation of spirit;
¹⁸	For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.	for, in abundance of wisdom `is' abundance of sadness, and he who addeth knowledge addeth pain.'

Ecclesiastes 2 (26 verses) - I've done great things and amassed great riches, and gotten whatever I desired, but it all meant nothing.

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.	I said in my heart, `Pray, come, I try thee with mirth, and look thou on gladness;' and lo, even it `is' vanity.	Ecclesiastes 2:7-8 is discussed on this page in 1. Solomon Did Not Write The Book of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 2:8-10 is discussed on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Some comments on Ecclesiastes 2:8-10 are on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament Some comments on Ecclesiastes 2:12 are on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Ecclesiastes 2:12 is referenced on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament
²	I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?	Of laughter I said, `Foolish!' and of mirth, `What `is' this it is doing?'
³	I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.	I have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite, (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly till that I see where `is' this -- the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives.
⁴	I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:	I made great my works, I builded for me houses, I planted for me vineyards.
⁵	I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:	I made for me gardens and paradises, and I planted in them trees of every fruit.
⁶	I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:	I made for me pools of water, to water from them a forest shooting forth trees.
⁷	I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:	I got men-servants, and maid-servants, and sons of the house were to me; also, I had much substance -- herd and flock -- above all who had been before me in Jerusalem.
⁸	I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.	I gathered for me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces. I prepared for me men-singers and women-singers, and the luxuries of the sons of man -- a wife and wives.
⁹	So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.	And I became great, and increased above every one who had been before me in Jerusalem; also, my wisdom stood with me.
¹⁰	And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.	And all that mine eyes asked I kept not back from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this hath been my portion, from all my labour,
¹¹	Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.	and I have looked on all my works that my hands have done, and on the labour that I have laboured to do, and lo, the whole `is' vanity and vexation of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun!
¹²	And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.	And I turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what `is' the man who cometh after the king? that which `is' already -- they have done it!
¹³	Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.	And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness.
¹⁴	The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.	The wise! -- his eyes `are' in his head, and the fool in darkness is walking, and I also knew that one event happeneth with them all;
¹⁵	Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.	and I said in my heart, `As it happeneth with the fool, it happeneth also with me, and why am I then more wise?' And I spake in my heart, that also this `is' vanity:
¹⁶	For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.	That there is no remembrance to the wise -- with the fool -- to the age, for that which `is' already, `in' the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dieth the wise? with the fool!
¹⁷	Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.	And I have hated life, for sad to me `is' the work that hath been done under the sun, for the whole `is' vanity and vexation of spirit.
¹⁸	Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.	And I have hated all my labour that I labour at under the sun, because I leave it to a man who is after me.
¹⁹	And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.	And who knoweth whether he is wise or foolish? yet he doth rule over all my labour that I have laboured at, and that I have done wisely under the sun! this also `is' vanity.
²⁰	Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.	And I turned round to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour that I laboured at under the sun.
²¹	For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.	For there is a man whose labour `is' in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity, and to a man who hath not laboured therein he giveth it -- his portion! Even this `is' vanity and a great evil.
²²	For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?	For what hath been to a man by all his labour, and by the thought of his heart that he laboured at under the sun?
²³	For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.	For all his days are sorrows, and his travail sadness; even at night his heart hath not lain down; this also `is' vanity.
²⁴	There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.	There is nothing good in a man who eateth, and hath drunk, and hath shewn his soul good in his labour. This also I have seen that it `is' from the hand of God.
²⁵	For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?	For who eateth and who hasteth out more than I?
²⁶	For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.	For to a man who `is' good before Him, He hath given wisdom, and knowledge, and joy; and to a sinner He hath given travail, to gather and to heap up, to give to the good before God. Even this `is' vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 3 (22 verses) - There is a time for everything: to live, to die, to mourn, to dance. It is the gift of God that man should find pleasure in his work.₇

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:	To everything -- a season, and a time to every delight under the heavens:	Ecclesiastes 3:22 is referenced on Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun!: 5.1. Christian Arguments Against Astronomy Some comments on Ecclesiastes 3:22 are on Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun!: 5.1. Christian Arguments Against Astronomy
²	A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;	A time to bring forth, And a time to die. A time to plant, And a time to eradicate the planted.
³	A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;	A time to slay, And a time to heal, A time to break down, And a time to build up.
⁴	A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;	A time to weep, And a time to laugh. A time to mourn, And a time to skip.
⁵	A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;	A time to cast away stones, And a time to heap up stones. A time to embrace, And a time to be far from embracing.
⁶	A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;	A time to seek, And a time to destroy. A time to keep, And a time to cast away.
⁷	A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;	A time to rend, And a time to sew. A time to be silent, And a time to speak.
⁸	A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.	A time to love, And a time to hate. A time of war, And a time of peace.
⁹	What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?	What advantage hath the doer in that which he is labouring at?
¹⁰	I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.	I have seen the travail that God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.
¹¹	He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.	The whole He hath made beautiful in its season; also, that knowledge He hath put in their heart without which man findeth not out the work that God hath done from the beginning even unto the end.
¹²	I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.	I have known that there is no good for them except to rejoice and to do good during their life,
¹³	And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.	yea, even every man who eateth and hath drunk and seen good by all his labour, it `is' a gift of God.
¹⁴	I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.	I have known that all that God doth is to the age, to it nothing is to be added, and from it nothing is to be withdrawn; and God hath wrought that they do fear before Him.
¹⁵	That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.	What is that which hath been? already it is, and that which `is' to be hath already been, and God requireth that which is pursued.
¹⁶	And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.	And again, I have seen under the sun the place of judgment -- there `is' the wicked; and the place of righteousness -- there `is' the wicked.
¹⁷	I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.	I said in my heart, `The righteous and the wicked doth God judge, for a time `is' to every matter and for every work there.'
¹⁸	I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.	I said in my heart concerning the matter of the sons of man that God might cleanse them, so as to see that they themselves `are' beasts.
¹⁹	For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.	For an event `is to' the sons of man, and an event `is to' the beasts, even one event `is' to them; as the death of this, so `is' the death of that; and one spirit `is' to all, and the advantage of man above the beast is nothing, for the whole `is' vanity.
²⁰	All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.	The whole are going unto one place, the whole have been from the dust, and the whole are turning back unto the dust.
²¹	Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?	Who knoweth the spirit of the sons of man that is going up on high, and the spirit of the beast that is going down below to the earth?
²²	Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?	And I have seen that there is nothing better than that man rejoice in his works, for it `is' his portion; for who doth bring him in to look on that which is after him?

Ecclesiastes 4 (16 verses)

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.	And I have turned, and I see all the oppressions that are done under the sun, and lo, the tear of the oppressed, and they have no comforter; and at the hand of their oppressors `is' power, and they have no comforter.
²	Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.	And I am praising the dead who have already died above the living who are yet alive.
³	Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.	And better than both of them `is' he who hath not yet been, in that he hath not seen the evil work that hath been done under the sun.
⁴	Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.	And I have seen all the labour, and all the benefit of the work, because for it a man is the envy of his neighbour. Even this `is' vanity and vexation of spirit.
⁵	The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.	The fool is clasping his hands, and eating his own flesh:
⁶	Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.	`Better `is' a handful `with' quietness, than two handfuls `with' labour and vexation of spirit.'
⁷	Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.	And I have turned, and I see a vain thing under the sun:
⁸	There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.	There is one, and there is not a second; even son or brother he hath not, and there is no end to all his labour! His eye also is not satisfied with riches, and `he saith not', `For whom am I labouring and bereaving my soul of good?' This also is vanity, it is a sad travail.
⁹	Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.	The two `are' better than the one, in that they have a good reward by their labour.
¹⁰	For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.	For if they fall, the one raiseth up his companion, but wo to the one who falleth and there is not a second to raise him up!
¹¹	Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?	Also, if two lie down, then they have heat, but how hath one heat?
¹²	And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.	And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.
¹³	Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.	Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who hath not known to be warned any more.
¹⁴	For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.	For from a house of prisoners he hath come out to reign, for even in his own kingdom he hath been poor.
¹⁵	I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.	I have seen all the living, who are walking under the sun, with the second youth who doth stand in his place;
¹⁶	There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.	there is no end to all the people, to all who were before them; also, the latter rejoice not in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 5 (20 verses) - Do not make rash vows before God. The lover of money never has enough. What is gained by toil? It is good to find enjoyment in life.₇

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.	Keep thy feet when thou goest unto a house of God, and draw near to hear rather than to give of fools the sacrifice, for they do not know they do evil.	For more on Ecclesiastes 5:7 see Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Ecclesiastes 5:7: See Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament Ecclesiastes 5:9 is referenced on Satanism and Environmentalism: 3. Compared to Christianity Ecclesiastes 5:11 is mentioned on Ecclesiasticus / Sirach Ecclesiastes 5:11 is mentioned on The 'Wisdom' Books of the Bible: 8. Ecclesiasticus / Sirach
²	Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.	Cause not thy mouth to hasten, and let not thy heart hasten to bring out a word before God, for God is in the heavens, and thou on the earth, therefore let thy words be few.
³	For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.	For the dream hath come by abundance of business, and the voice of a fool by abundance of words.
⁴	When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.	When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which thou vowest -- complete.
⁵	Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.	Better that thou do not vow, than that thou dost vow and dost not complete.
⁶	Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?	Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger, that `it `is' an error,' why is God wroth because of thy voice, and hath destroyed the work of thy hands?
⁷	For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.	For, in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear thou God.
⁸	If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.	If oppression of the poor, and violent taking away of judgment and righteousness thou seest in a province, do not marvel at the matter, for a higher than the high is observing, and high ones `are' over them.
⁹	Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.	And the abundance of a land is for all. A king for a field is served.
¹⁰	He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.	Whoso is loving silver is not satisfied `with' silver, nor he who is in love with stores `with' increase. Even this `is' vanity.
¹¹	When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?	In the multiplying of good have its consumers been multiplied, and what benefit `is' to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?
¹²	The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.	Sweet `is' the sleep of the labourer whether he eat little or much; and the sufficiency of the wealthy is not suffering him to sleep.
¹³	There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.	There is a painful evil I have seen under the sun: wealth kept for its possessor, for his evil.
¹⁴	But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.	And that wealth hath been lost in an evil business, and he hath begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!
¹⁵	As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.	As he came out from the belly of his mother, naked he turneth back to go as he came, and he taketh not away anything of his labour, that doth go in his hand.
¹⁶	And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?	And this also `is' a painful evil, just as he came, so he goeth, and what advantage `is' to him who laboureth for wind?
¹⁷	All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.	Also all his days in darkness he consumeth, and sadness, and wrath, and sickness abound.
¹⁸	Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.	Lo, that which I have seen: `It is' good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and to see good in all one's labour that he laboureth at under the sun, the number of the days of his life that God hath given to him, for it `is' his portion.
¹⁹	Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.	Every man also to whom God hath given wealth and riches, and hath given him power to eat of it, and to accept his portion, and to rejoice in his labour, this is a gift of God.
²⁰	For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.	For he doth not much remember the days of his life, for God is answering through the joy of his heart.

Ecclesiastes 6 (12 verses) - Here is an evil: to have wealth and honour but not to enjoy them. What do the wise gain over fools? The more words, the less meaning.₇

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:	There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it `is' great on man:
²	A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.	A man to whom God giveth wealth, and riches, and honour, and there is no lack to his soul of all that he desireth, and God giveth him not power to eat of it, but a stranger eateth it; this `is' vanity, and it `is' an evil disease.
³	If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.	If a man doth beget a hundred, and live many years, and is great, because they are the days of his years, and his soul is not satisfied from the goodness, and also he hath not had a grave, I have said, `Better than he `is' the untimely birth.'
⁴	For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.	For in vanity he came in, and in darkness he goeth, and in darkness his name is covered,
⁵	Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.	Even the sun he hath not seen nor known, more rest hath this than that.
⁶	Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?	And though he had lived a thousand years twice over, yet good he hath not seen; to the same place doth not every one go?
⁷	All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.	All the labour of man `is' for his mouth, and yet the soul is not filled.
⁸	For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?	For what advantage `is' to the wise above the fool? What to the poor who knoweth to walk before the living?
⁹	Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.	Better `is' the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul. This also `is' vanity and vexation of spirit.
¹⁰	That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.	What `is' that which hath been? already is its name called, and it is known that it `is' man, and he is not able to contend with him who is stronger than he.
¹¹	Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?	For there are many things multiplying vanity; what advantage `is' to man?
¹²	For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?	For who knoweth what `is' good for a man in life, the number of the days of the life of his vanity, and he maketh them as a shadow? for who declareth to man what is after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 7 (29 verses) - Sorrow is better than laughter. Mourning is better than feasting.

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.	Better `is' a name than good perfume, And the day of death than the day of birth.	Ecclesiastes 7:13: Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 5. No Free Will in the New Testament For more on Ecclesiastes 7:13 see Biblical Christianity Denies Free Will Some comments on Ecclesiastes 7:13 are on Biblical Christianity Denies Free Will: 2. Those Who Are Not Chosen Ecclesiastes 7:13 is discussed on Monotheism and Free Will: God, Determinism and Fate: 4.1. Christianity Ecclesiastes 7:13 is referenced on The Illusion of Choice: Free Will and Determinism: 7.3. Free Will in the Christian Bible Some comments on Ecclesiastes 7:29,31 are on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Ecclesiastes 7:29,31 is mentioned on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament
²	It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.	Better to go unto a house of mourning, Than to go unto a house of banqueting, For that is the end of all men, And the living layeth `it' unto his heart.
³	Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.	Better `is' sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.
⁴	The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.	The heart of the wise `is' in a house of mourning, And the heart of fools in a house of mirth.
⁵	It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.	Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, Than `for' a man to hear a song of fools,
⁶	For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.	For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So `is' the laughter of a fool, even this `is' vanity.
⁷	Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.	Surely oppression maketh the wise mad, And a gift destroyeth the heart.
⁸	Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.	Better `is' the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better `is' the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.
⁹	Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.	Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, For anger in the bosom of fools resteth.
¹⁰	Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.	Say not thou, `What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this.
¹¹	Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.	Wisdom `is' good with an inheritance, And an advantage `it is' to those beholding the sun.
¹²	For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.	For wisdom `is' a defense, money `is' a defence, And the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom `is', She reviveth her possessors.
¹³	Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?	See the work of God, For who is able to make straight that which He made crooked?
¹⁴	In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.	In a day of prosperity be in gladness, And in a day of evil consider. Also this over-against that hath God made, To the intent that man doth not find anything after him.
¹⁵	All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.	The whole I have considered in the days of my vanity. There is a righteous one perishing in his righteousness, and there is a wrong-doer prolonging `himself' in his wrong.
¹⁶	Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?	Be not over-righteous, nor show thyself too wise, why art thou desolate?
¹⁷	Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?	Do not much wrong, neither be thou a fool, why dost thou die within thy time?
¹⁸	It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.	`It is' good that thou dost lay hold on this, and also, from that withdrawest not thy hand, for whoso is fearing God goeth out with them all.
¹⁹	Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.	The wisdom giveth strength to a wise man, more than wealth the rulers who have been in a city.
²⁰	For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.	Because there is not a righteous man on earth that doth good and sinneth not.
²¹	Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:	Also to all the words that they speak give not thy heart, that thou hear not thy servant reviling thee.
²²	For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.	For many times also hath thy heart known that thou thyself also hast reviled others.
²³	All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.	All this I have tried by wisdom; I have said, `I am wise,' and it `is' far from me.
²⁴	That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?	Far off `is' that which hath been, and deep, deep, who doth find it?
²⁵	I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:	I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness.
²⁶	And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.	And I am finding more bitter than death, the woman whose heart `is' nets and snares, her hands `are' bands; the good before God escapeth from her, but the sinner is captured by her.
²⁷	Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:	See, this I have found, said the Preacher, one to one, to find out the reason
²⁸	Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.	(that still my soul had sought, and I had not found), One man, a teacher, I have found, and a woman among all these I have not found.
²⁹	Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.	See, this alone I have found, that God made man upright, and they -- they have sought out many devices.

Ecclesiastes 8 (17 verses) - Obey the king's command. Though sinners do evil, it will be well for those who fear God. No one can know what goes on under the sun.₇

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.	Who `is' as the wise? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man causeth his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
²	I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.	I pray thee, the commandment of a king keep, even for the sake of the oath of God.
³	Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.	Be not troubled at his presence, thou mayest go, stand not in an evil thing, for all that he pleaseth he doth.
⁴	Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?	Where the word of a king `is' power `is', and who saith to him, `What dost thou?'
⁵	Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.	Whoso is keeping a command knoweth no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knoweth.
⁶	Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.	For to every delight there is a time and a judgment, for the misfortune of man is great upon him.
⁷	For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?	For he knoweth not that which shall be, for when it shall be who declareth to him?
⁸	There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.	There is no man ruling over the spirit to restrain the spirit, and there is no authority over the day of death, and there is no discharge in battle, and wickedness delivereth not its possessors.
⁹	All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.	All this I have seen so as to give my heart to every work that hath been done under the sun; a time that man hath ruled over man to his own evil.
¹⁰	And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.	And so I have seen the wicked buried, and they went in, even from the Holy Place they go, and they are forgotten in the city whether they had so done. This also `is' vanity.
¹¹	Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.	Because sentence hath not been done `on' an evil work speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of man is full within them to do evil.
¹²	Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:	Though a sinner is doing evil a hundred `times', and prolonging `himself' for it, surely also I know that there is good to those fearing God, who fear before Him.
¹³	But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.	And good is not to the wicked, and he doth not prolong days as a shadow, because he is not fearing before God.
¹⁴	There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.	There is a vanity that hath been done upon the earth, that there are righteous ones unto whom it is coming according to the work of the wicked, and there are wicked ones unto whom it is coming according to the work of the righteous. I have said that this also `is' vanity.
¹⁵	Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.	And I have praised mirth because there is no good to man under the sun except to eat and to drink, and to rejoice, and it remaineth with him of his labour the days of his life that God hath given to him under the sun.
¹⁶	When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)	When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that hath been done on the earth, (for there is also a spectator in whose eyes sleep is not by day and by night),
¹⁷	Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.	then I considered all the work of God, that man is not able to find out the work that hath been done under the sun, because though man labour to seek, yet he doth not find; and even though the wise man speak of knowing he is not able to find.

Ecclesiastes 9 (18 verses) - The same fate comes to all. A living dog is better than a dead lion. Enjoy the days of your vain life. Wisdom is better than strength.₇

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.	But all this I have laid unto my heart, so as to clear up the whole of this, that the righteous and the wise, and their works, `are' in the hand of God, neither love nor hatred doth man know, the whole `is' before them.	Some comments on Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 are on What Do Religions Say About Souls?: 2.1. Judaism and the Old Testament
²	All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.	The whole `is' as to the whole; one event is to the righteous and to the wicked, to the good, and to the clean, and to the unclean, and to him who is sacrificing, and to him who is not sacrificing; as `is' the good, so `is' the sinner, he who is swearing as he who is fearing an oath.
³	This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.	This `is' an evil among all that hath been done under the sun, that one event `is' to all, and also the heart of the sons of man is full of evil, and madness `is' in their heart during their life, and after it -- unto the dead.
⁴	For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.	But `to' him who is joined unto all the living there is confidence, for to a living dog it `is' better than to the dead lion.
⁵	For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.	For the living know that they die, and the dead know not anything, and there is no more to them a reward, for their remembrance hath been forgotten.
⁶	Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.	Their love also, their hatred also, their envy also, hath already perished, and they have no more a portion to the age in all that hath been done under the sun.
⁷	Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.	Go, eat with joy thy bread, and drink with a glad heart thy wine, for already hath God been pleased with thy works.
⁸	Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.	At all times let thy garments be white, and let not perfume be lacking on thy head.
⁹	Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.	See life with the wife whom thou hast loved, all the days of the life of thy vanity, that He hath given to thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity, for it `is' thy portion in life, even of thy labour that thou art labouring at under the sun.
¹⁰	Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.	All that thy hand findeth to do, with thy power do, for there is no work, and device, and knowledge, and wisdom in Sheol whither thou art going.
¹¹	I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.	I have turned so as to see under the sun, that not to the swift `is' the race, nor to the mighty the battle, nor even to the wise bread, nor even to the intelligent wealth, nor even to the skilful grace, for time and chance happen with them all.
¹²	For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.	For even man knoweth not his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, like these `are' the sons of man snared at an evil time, when it falleth upon them suddenly.
¹³	This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:	This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.
¹⁴	There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:	A little city, and few men in it, and a great king hath come unto it, and hath surrounded it, and hath built against it great bulwarks;
¹⁵	Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.	and there hath been found in it a poor wise man, and he hath delivered the city by his wisdom, and men have not remembered that poor man!
¹⁶	Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.	And I said, `Better `is' wisdom than might, and the wisdom of the poor is despised, and his words are not heard.' --
¹⁷	The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.	The words of the wise in quiet are heard, More than the cry of a ruler over fools.
¹⁸	Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.	Better `is' wisdom than weapons of conflict, And one sinner destroyeth much good!

Ecclesiastes 10 (20 verses) - A little folly spoils wisdom. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. The lips of a fool consume him. Through laziness the roof leaks.₇

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.	Dead flies cause a perfumer's perfume To send forth a stink; The precious by reason of wisdom -- By reason of honour -- a little folly!	Ecclesiastes 10:14: See Ecclesiasticus / Sirach For more on Ecclesiastes 10:14 see The 'Wisdom' Books of the Bible: 8. Ecclesiasticus / Sirach
²	A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.	The heart of the wise `is' at his right hand, And the heart of a fool at his left.
³	Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.	And also, when he that is a fool Is walking in the way, his heart is lacking, And he hath said to every one, `He `is' a fool.'
⁴	If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.	If the spirit of the ruler go up against thee, Thy place leave not, For yielding quieteth great sinners.
⁵	There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:	There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error that goeth out from the ruler,
⁶	Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.	He hath set the fool in many high places, And the rich in a low place do sit.
⁷	I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.	I have seen servants on horses, And princes walking as servants on the earth.
⁸	He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.	Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And whoso is breaking a hedge, a serpent biteth him.
⁹	Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.	Whoso is removing stones is grieved by them, Whoso is cleaving trees endangered by them.
¹⁰	If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.	If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom `is' advantageous to make right.
¹¹	Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.	If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.
¹²	The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.	Words of the mouth of the wise `are' gracious, And the lips of a fool swallow him up.
¹³	The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.	The beginning of the words of his mouth `is' folly, And the latter end of his mouth `Is' mischievous madness.
¹⁴	A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?	And the fool multiplieth words: `Man knoweth not that which is, And that which is after him, who doth declare to him?'
¹⁵	The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.	The labour of the foolish wearieth him, In that he hath not known to go unto the city.
¹⁶	Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!	Wo to thee, O land, when thy king `is' a youth, And thy princes do eat in the morning.
¹⁷	Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!	Happy art thou, O land, When thy king `is' a son of freemen, And thy princes do eat in due season, For might, and not for drunkenness.
¹⁸	By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.	By slothfulness is the wall brought low, And by idleness of the hands doth the house drop.
¹⁹	A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.	For mirth they are making a feast, And wine maketh life joyful, And the silver answereth with all.
²⁰	Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.	Even in thy mind a king revile not, And in the inner parts of thy bed-chamber Revile not the rich: For a fowl of the heavens causeth the voice to go, And a possessor of wings declareth the word.

Ecclesiastes 11 (10 verses)

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.	Send forth thy bread on the face of the waters, For in the multitude of the days thou dost find it.
²	Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.	Give a portion to seven, and even to eight, For thou knowest not what evil is on the earth.
³	If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.	If the thick clouds are full of rain, On the earth they empty `themselves'; And if a tree doth fall in the south or to the north, The place where the tree falleth, there it is.
⁴	He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.	Whoso is observing the wind soweth not, And whoso is looking on the thick clouds reapeth not.
⁵	As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.	As thou knowest not what `is' the way of the spirit, How -- bones in the womb of the full one, So thou knowest not the work of God who maketh the whole.
⁶	In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.	In the morning sow thy seed, And at even withdraw not thy hand, For thou knowest not which is right, this or that, Or whether both of them alike `are' good.
⁷	Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:	Sweet also `is' the light, And good for the eyes to see the sun.
⁸	But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.	But, if man liveth many years, In all of them let him rejoice, And remember the days of darkness, For they are many! all that is coming `is' vanity.
⁹	Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.	Rejoice, O young man, in thy childhood, And let thy heart gladden thee in days of thy youth, And walk in the ways of thy heart, And in the sight of thine eyes, And know thou that for all these, Doth God bring thee into judgment.
¹⁰	Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.	And turn aside anger from thy heart, And cause evil to pass from thy flesh, For the childhood and the age `are' vanity!

Ecclesiastes 12 (14 verses)

	KJV	YLT	Notes
¹	Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;	Remember also thy Creators in days of thy youth, While that the evil days come not, Nor the years have arrived, that thou sayest, `I have no pleasure in them.'	Ecclesiastes 12:13 is mentioned on Is the Christian God Evil? Evidence from Scripture and Nature: 1.3. Fear God Some comments on Ecclesiastes 12:13 are on Biblical Dress Codes: God's Laws on Clothes: 3. All Laws of the Bible Must be Followed, Both Old and New Ecclesiastes 12:13 appears on Fearing God: 1. Fear of God in the Old Testament Ecclesiastes 12:13 is discussed on The Old Testament Versus the New Testament: Do Christians Still Have to Observe OT Law?: 1. The Old Testament Versus the New Testament: Do Christians Still Have to Observe OT Law? Ecclesiastes 12:13 is mentioned on The Gradual Instruction of Humankind by a Series of Prophets from God: 3.2. Christianity: Does the New Testament Represent a New Revelation Which Overrides the Jewish Scriptures?
²	While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:	While that the sun is not darkened, and the light, And the moon, and the stars, And the thick clouds returned after the rain.
³	In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,	In the day that keepers of the house tremble, And men of strength have bowed themselves, And grinders have ceased, because they have become few. And those looking out at the windows have become dim,
⁴	And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;	And doors have been shut in the street. When the noise of the grinding is low, And `one' riseth at the voice of the bird, And all daughters of song are bowed down.
⁵	Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:	Also of that which is high they are afraid, And of the low places in the way, And the almond-tree is despised, And the grasshopper is become a burden, And want is increased, For man is going unto his home age-during, And the mourners have gone round through the street.
⁶	Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.	While that the silver cord is not removed, And the golden bowl broken, And the pitcher broken by the fountain, And the wheel broken at the well.
⁷	Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.	And the dust returneth to the earth as it was, And the spirit returneth to God who gave it.
⁸	Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.	Vanity of vanities, said the preacher, the whole `is' vanity.
⁹	And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.	And further, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge, and gave ear, and sought out -- he made right many similes.
¹⁰	The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.	The preacher sought to find out pleasing words, and, written `by' the upright, words of truth.
¹¹	The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.	Words of the wise `are' as goads, and as fences planted `by' the masters of collections, they have been given by one shepherd.
¹²	And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.	And further, from these, my son, be warned; the making of many books hath no end, and much study `is' a weariness of the flesh.
¹³	Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.	The end of the whole matter let us hear: -- `Fear God, and keep His commands, for this `is' the whole of man.
¹⁴	For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.	For every work doth God bring into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether good or bad.'

1. Solomon Did Not Write The Book of Ecclesiastes5