1A great task God has allotted, and a heavy yoke is on the sons of men,
2from the day he comes out of his mother’s womb, until the day he returns to the mother of all living.
3From the one sitting on a high throne to the one who returns to dust and ashes,
4from the one wearing a turban and diadem to the one wearing a garment of leather.
5There is only jealousy, worry, and fear, the terror of death, contention, and strife. And when he rests on his bed, the sleep of the night changes his trouble.
6For a moment, a little quiet in vain, and he is shaken by the terrors of his heart. He gets a little taste from the vision of his soul, like a survivor fleeing from a pursuer.
7While still arrayed for battle, he awakens; there is no terror, and he has found rest.
8These things come to all flesh, from human to beast, but on sinners they are sevenfold.
9Pestilence and blood, fever and sword, ruin and destruction, evil and death.
10For the wicked, evil was created, and because of them, destruction comes.
11All that is from the earth will return to the earth, and that which is from on high will return on high.
12Every bribe and injustice will be wiped out, but faithfulness will stand forever.
13From wealth to wealth like a perennial stream, and from a mighty channel with the crash of thunder.
14When they lift their hands, they plunder, but suddenly and forever they will be finished.
15An offspring of violence will not be pure, for the root of the godless is on a sharp crag.
16Like axes against the plants of a wadi, they are extinguished before any rain.
17But kindness will never be shaken, and righteousness is established forever.
18The life of a self-sufficient worker is sweet, but better than both is finding a treasure.
19Children and a city establish a name, but better than both is finding wisdom. Offspring and a plant make a name flourish, but better than both is a desired wife.
20Wine and strong drink make the heart glad, but better than both is the love of dear friends.
21Flute and harp make a song pleasant, but better than both is a pure tongue.
22Beauty and form the eye desires, but better than both are the plants of the field.
23A companion and a friend are timely guides, but better than both is a prudent wife.
24A brother and a partner for a time of trouble, but better than both is righteousness that delivers.
25Gold and silver make the foot stand firm, but better than both is good counsel.
26Wealth and strength enlarge the heart, but better than both is the fear of God. In the fear of God there is no lack, and with it one need not seek support.
27The fear of God is like an Eden of blessing, and it is a canopy over all glory.
28Do not live the life of a beggar for gifts; it is better to be gathered in death than to grovel.
29A man who looks to another’s table—his life is not to be counted as a life. His delicacies are a snare to the soul for a man who understands the gut’s secrets.
30In the mouth of the shameless, begging is sweet, but in his gut it will burn like fire.
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