Ecclesiastes 8:1-15 in English

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 hardness of his face is changed.

² I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

⁴ For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man’s heart discerneth time and judgment:

⁶ for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:

⁷ for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in war: neither shall wickedness deliver him that is given to it.

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 hath power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried, and they came to the grave; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: 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.

¹² Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and prolong his days, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that 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.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth, that there are righteous men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I 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 joyful: for that shall abide with him in his labor all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.

¹ A man's wisdom will lighten his countenance; but a man of shameless countenance will be hated.

² Observe the commandment of the king, and that because of the word of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty; thou shalt go forth out of his presence: stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatsoever he shall please,

⁴ even as a king having power: and who will say to him, What doest thou?

⁵ He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgment.

⁶ For to every thing there is time and judgment; for the knowledge of a man is great to him.

⁷ For there is no one that knows what is going to be: for who shall tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; and there is no power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in the day of battle; neither shall ungodliness save her votary.

⁹ So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things wherein man has power over man to afflict him.

¹⁰ And then I saw the ungodly carried into the tombs, and that out of the holy place: and they departed, and were praised in the city, because they had done thus: this also is vanity.

¹¹ Because there is no contradiction made on the part of those who do evil quickly, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully determined in them to do evil.

¹² He that has sinned has done evil from that time, and long from beforehand: nevertheless I know, that it is well with them that fear God, that they may fear before him:

¹³ but it shall not be well with the ungodly, and he shall not prolong his days, which are as a shadow; forasmuch as he fears not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous persons to whom it happens according to the doing of the ungodly; and there are ungodly men, to whom it happens according to the doing of the just: I said, This is also vanity.

¹⁵ Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry: and this shall attend him in his labour all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun.

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.

² I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard 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.

⁴ Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.

⁶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

² I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard 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.

⁴ Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.

⁶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

¹ Who knows the wise? and who knows the interpretation of a saying? A man's wisdom will lighten his countenance; but a man of shameless countenance will be hated.

² Observe the commandment of the king, and that because of the word of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty; you shall go forth out of his presence: stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatever he shall please,

⁴ even as a king having power: and who will say to him, What do you?

⁵ He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgment.

⁶ For to every thing there is time and judgment; for the knowledge of a man is great to him.

⁷ For there is no one that knows what is going to be: for who shall tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; and there is no power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in the day of the battle; neither shall ungodliness save her votary.

⁹ So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things wherein man has power over man to afflict him.

¹⁰ And then I saw the ungodly carried into the tombs, and that out of the holy place: and they departed, and were praised in the city, because they had done thus: this also is vanity.

¹¹ Because there is no contradiction made on the part of those who do evil quickly, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully determined in them to do evil.

¹² He that has sinned has done evil from that time, and long from beforehand: nevertheless I know, that it is well with them that fear God, that they may fear before him:

¹³ but it shall not be well with the ungodly, and he shall not prolong his days, which are as a shadow; forasmuch as he fears not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous persons to whom it happens according to the doing of the ungodly; and there are ungodly men, to whom it happens according to the doing of the just: I said, This is also vanity.

¹⁵ Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry: and this shall attend him in his labor all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun.

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 hardness of his face is changed.

² I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

⁴ Because the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man’s heart discerneth time and judgment:

⁶ for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:

⁷ for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in that war: neither shall wickedness deliver him that is given to it.

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 hath power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ And withal I saw the wicked buried, and they came to the grave; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: 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.

¹² Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and prolong his days, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which 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.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be righteous 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.

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 in his labour all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.

¹ I will tell you about those who are truly wise RHQ with the result that they can explain why everything happens. Being wise enables people to be happy MTY and enables them to smile.

² You solemnly promised God that you would obey what the king commands, so do that.

³ Do not quickly disobey the king. And do not join those who want to rebel against him, because the king will do what he wants to do.

⁴ We need to obey what the king says more than we need to obey what anyone else says; no one can say to the king, “◄Why are you doing that?/You should not be doing that.► RHQ”

⁵ If you obey what the king commands, he will not harm you. So be wise, and know the correct/right time to do things and the right way to do them.

⁶ Although people experience many troubles/difficulties, there is a right/correct time to do things, and there is a right/correct way to do them.

⁷ No one knows what will happen in the future, so there is no one RHQ who can tell us what is going to happen.

⁸ We cannot control the wind, and we cannot control when we will die. Soldiers are not permitted to go home during a battle, and evil people will not be saved by doing what is evil.

⁹ I thought about all those things, and I thought about all HYP the other things that happen on this earth. I saw that sometimes people cause those whom they control to suffer.

¹⁰ I also saw that sometimes after evil people die, they are highly honored at their funerals by the people in the cities where they had done evil deeds. It seemed to be difficult to understand why that happens.

¹¹ If evil people are not immediately punished, it causes other people SYN to also want to do evil things.

¹² But even if sinful people commit a hundred crimes, and even if they live for a long time, I know that things will go better for those who greatly respect and revere God.

¹³ I also know that things will not go well go for those who are evil, because they do not revere God. Shadows do not last a long time. Similarly SIM, evil people will not live a long time.

¹⁴ Another thing that sometimes happens on this earth is that bad things happen to righteous people, and good things happen to evil people. It is difficult to understand why that happens.

¹⁵ So I decided that I would recommend that people be happy while they are alive, because the best thing that people can do here on this earth is to eat and drink and be happy. Enjoying doing those things will help people while they do their work, all the time that God has given to them to remain alive here on the earth.

¹ Who knows the wise? and who knows the interpretation of a saying? A man's wisdom will lighten his countenance; but a man of shameless countenance will be hated.

² Observe the commandment of the king, and that because of the word of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty; you shall go forth out of his presence: stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatever he shall please,

⁴ even as a king having power: and who will say to him, What do you?

⁵ He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgement.

⁶ For to every thing there is time and judgement; for the knowledge of a man is great to him.

⁷ For there is no one that knows what is going to be: for who shall tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; and there is no power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in the day of the battle; neither shall ungodliness save her votary.

⁹ So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things wherein man has power over man to afflict him.

¹⁰ And then I saw the ungodly carried into the tombs, and that out of the holy place: and they departed, and were praised in the city, because they had done thus: this also is vanity.

¹¹ Because there is no contradiction made on the part of those who do evil quickly, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully determined in them to do evil.

¹² He that has sinned has done evil from that time, and long from beforehand: nevertheless I know, that it is well with them that fear God, that they may fear before him:

¹³ but it shall not be well with the ungodly, and he shall not prolong his days, which are as a shadow; forasmuch as he fears not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous persons to whom it happens according to the doing of the ungodly; and there are ungodly men, to whom it happens according to the doing of the just: I said, This is also vanity.

¹⁵ Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry: and this shall attend him in his labour all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practise it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labour all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? and to whom is the sense of anything clear? A man's wisdom makes his face shining, and his hard face will be changed.

² I say to you, Keep the king's law, from respect for the oath of God.

³ Be not quick to go from before him. Be not fixed in an evil design, because he does whatever is pleasing to him.

⁴ The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing?

⁵ Whoever keeps the law will come to no evil: and a wise man's heart has knowledge of time and of decision.

⁶ For every purpose there is a time and a decision, because the sorrow of man is great in him.

⁷ No one is certain what is to be, and who is able to say to him when it will be?

⁸ No man has authority over the wind, to keep the wind; or is ruler over the day of his death. In war no man's time is free, and evil will not keep the sinner safe.

⁹ All this have I seen, and have given my heart to all the work which is done under the sun: there is a time when man has power over man for his destruction.

¹⁰ And then I saw evil men put to rest, taken even from the holy place; and they went about and were praised in the town because of what they had done. This again is to no purpose.

¹¹ Because punishment for an evil work comes not quickly, the minds of the sons of men are fully given to doing evil.

¹² Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his life is long, I am certain that it will be well for those who go in fear of God and are in fear before him.

¹³ But it will not be well for the evil-doer; he will not make his days long like a shade, because he has no fear before God.

¹⁴ There is a thing which is to no purpose done on the earth: that there are good men to whom is given the same punishment as those who are evil, and there are evil men who get the reward of the good. I say that this again is to no purpose.

¹⁵ So I gave praise to joy, because there is nothing better for a man to do under the sun than to take meat and drink and be happy; for that will be with him in his work all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

¹ Who is as the wise? and who knoweth the explanation of things? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face is changed.

² I say, Keep the king's commandment, and that on account of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty to go out of his sight; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatever pleaseth him,

⁴ because the word of a king is power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart knoweth time and manner.

⁶ For to every purpose there is time and manner. For the misery of man is great upon him;

⁷ for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man who hath control over the spirit to retain the spirit; and no one hath control over the day of death; and there is no discharge in that war, neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

⁹ All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time when man ruleth man to his hurt.

¹⁰ And I have also seen the wicked buried and going away; and such as had acted rightly went from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city. This also is vanity.

¹¹ Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to do evil.

¹² Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and prolong his days, yet I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, because they fear before him;

¹³ but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days as a shadow, because he feareth not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; and there are wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ And I commended mirth, because there is nothing better for man 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 hath given him under the sun.

¹ The wisdom of a man shineth in his countenance, and the most mighty will change his face.

² I observe the mouth of the king, and the commandments of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty to depart from his face, and do not continue in an evil work: for he will do all that pleaseth him:

⁴ And his word is full of power: neither can any man say to him: Why dost thou so?

⁵ He that keepeth the commandments shall find no evil. The heart of a wise man understandeth time and answer.

⁶ There is a time and opportunity for every business, and great affliction for man:

⁷ Because he is ignorant of things past, and things to come he cannot know by any messenger.

⁸ It is not in man’s power to stop the spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death, neither is he suffered to rest when war is at hand, neither shall wickedness save the wicked.

⁹ All these things I have considered, and applied my heart to all the works that are done under the sun. Sometimes one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

¹⁰ I saw the wicked buried: who also when they were yet living were in the holy place, and were praised in the city as men of just works: but this also is vanity.

¹¹ For because sentence is not speedily pronounced against the evil, the children of men commit evils without any fear.

¹² But though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and by patience be borne withal, I know from thence that it shall be well with them that fear God, who dread his face.

¹³ But let it not be well with the wicked, neither let his days be prolonged, but as a shadow let them pass away that fear not the face of the Lord.

¹⁴ There is also another vanity, which is done upon the earth. There are just men to whom evils happen, as though they had done the works of the wicked: and there are wicked men, who are as secure, as though they had the deeds of the just: but this also I judge most vain.

¹⁵ Therefore I commended mirth, because there was no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry, and that he should take nothing else with him of his labour in the days of his life, which God hath given him under the sun.

¹ Who can compare to the truly wise? Who knows how to interpret things? If you have wisdom your face lights up, and your stern look is softened.

² My advice is to do what the king says, since that's what you promised God.

³ Don't be quick to walk out on the king without thinking what you're doing, and don't get involved with those who plot against him, for the king can do what he pleases.

⁴ The king's orders have supreme authority—who is going to question him, saying, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Those who follow his commands will not be involved in doing evil. Wise people think, recognizing there's a right time, and a right way.

⁶ For there's a right time and a right way for everything, even when things are going badly for you.

⁷ No one knows what's going to happen, so who can say what the future holds?

⁸ No one can hold onto the breath of life; no one can prevent the day when they die. There's no way of escaping that battle, and the wicked won't be saved by their wickedness!

⁹ I examined all these things, and thought about all that happens here on earth, and the damage that's caused when people dominate others.

¹⁰ Yes, I have seen wicked people buried with great honor. They used to go to the holy place, and were praised in the very city where they did their evil. This is hard to understand!

¹¹ When people are not punished quickly for their crimes they are even more determined to do wrong.

¹² Even though a sinner may do wrong a hundred times, and live a long life, I'm convinced that those who do what God says will be better off.

¹³ In fact, the wicked will not live long, passing like a shadow, because they refuse to follow God.

¹⁴ Another thing that is hard to understand is this: good people are treated as the wicked should be, and the wicked are treated as good people should be. As I say, this is difficult to comprehend!

¹⁵ So I recommend enjoying life. There's nothing better for us here on earth than to eat and drink and be happy. Such an attitude will go with us as we work, and as we live our lives that God gives us here on earth.

¹ Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? the wisedome of a man doth make his face to shine: and the strength of his face shalbe changed.

² I aduertise thee to take heede to ye mouth of the King, and to the worde of the othe of God.

³ Haste not to goe forth of his sight: stand not in an euill thing: for he will doe whatsoeuer pleaseth him.

⁴ Where the word of ye King is, there is power, and who shall say vnto him, What doest thou?

⁵ He that keepeth the commandement, shall knowe none euill thing, and the heart of the wise shall knowe the time and iudgement.

⁶ For to euery purpose there is a time and iudgement, because the miserie of man is great vpon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which shalbe: for who can tell him when it shalbe?

⁸ Man is not lorde ouer the spirit to retaine the spirite: neither hath hee power in the day of death, nor deliuerance in the battell, neither shall wickednesse deliuer the possessers thereof.

⁹ All this haue I seene, and haue giuen mine heart to euery worke, which is wrought vnder the sunne, and I sawe a time that man ruleth ouer man to his owne hurt.

¹⁰ And likewise I sawe the wicked buried, and they returned, and they that came from the holy place, were yet forgotten in the citie where they had done right: this also is vanitie.

¹¹ Because sentence against an euill worke is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to doe euill.

¹² Though a sinner doe euill an hundreth times, and God prolongeth his dayes, yet I knowe that it shalbe well with them that feare the Lord, and doe reuerence before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well to the wicked, neither shall he prolong his dayes: he shall be like a shadowe, because he feareth not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanitie, which is done vpon the earth, that there be righteous men to whom it commeth according to the worke of the wicked: and there be wicked men to whom it commeth according to the worke of the iust: I thought also that this is vanitie.

¹⁵ And I praysed ioy: for there is no goodnesse to man vnder the sunne, saue to eate and to drinke and to reioyce: for this is adioyned to his labour, the dayes of his life that God hath giuen him vnder the sunne.

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 is changed.

² I counsel thee: keep the king's command, and that in regard of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty to go out of his presence; stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

⁴ Forasmuch as the king's word hath power; and who may say unto him: 'What doest thou?'

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment.

⁶ For to every matter there is a time and judgment; for the evil of man is great upon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which shall be; for even when it cometh to pass, who shall declare it unto him?

⁸ There is no man that hath power over the wind to retain the wind; neither hath he power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver him that is given to it.

⁹ All this have I seen, even applied my heart thereto, whatever the work that is done under the sun; what time one man had power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ And so I saw the wicked buried, and they entered into their rest; but they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city; 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;

¹² because a sinner doeth evil a hundred times, and prolongeth his days — though yet I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that 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.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth: that there are righteous men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous — I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ So I commended mirth, that a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry, and that this should accompany him in his labour all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.

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.

² I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard 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.

⁴ Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.

⁶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

¹ Who is like the wise? and who knoweth as well the explanation of a thing? a man's wisdom enlighteneth his face, and the boldness of his face will be lessened.

² I counsel thee, Keep the king's command, and that which regardeth the oath to him taken by God.

³ Be not hasty to go out of his presence; engage not in an evil thing; for whatsoever pleaseth him, can he do;

⁴ Because the word of a king is powerful; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?—

⁵ Whoso keepeth the commandment will experience no evil thing: and a wise man's heart knoweth both time and the just consequence.

⁶ Because for every pursuit there is a time and a just consequence; for the evil of man resteth heavily upon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ No man hath control over the spirit to detain the spirit; and there is no control over the day of death; and there is no representation in that war; and wickedness will not deliver those that practise it.

⁹ All this have I seen, and directed my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time when one man ruleth over another to his own injury.

¹⁰ Then also did I see the wicked buried, who had gone to their rest; but those who had acted correctly had to go away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city. Also this is vanity.

¹¹ Because the punishment against evil deeds is not executed speedily, therefore is the heart of the sons of men filled up in them to do evil.

¹² But let a sinner do evil a hundred times, and God withhold long his punishment from him; still do I truly know for certain that it will be well with those that fear God, because they are afraid of him;

¹³ And that it will not be well with the wicked, and that he will not endure many days, like the shadow; because he is not afraid of God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth, that there are righteous men, unto whom it happeneth in accordance with the deeds of the wicked; again, there are wicked men, to whom it happeneth in accordance with the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Therefore do I praise joyfulness, that there is nothing better for man under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful; for this will adhere to him in his toil, during the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.—

¹ A man’s wisdom will lighten his countenance; But a man of shameless countenance will be hated.

² Observe the commandment of the king, And that because of the word of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty; thou shalt go forth out of his presence: Stand not in an evil matter; For he will do whatsoever he shall please,

⁴ Even as a king having power: And who will say to him, What doest thou?

⁵ He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: And the heart of the wise knows the time of judgment.

⁶ For to everything there is time and judgment; For the knowledge of a man is great to him.

⁷ For there is no one that knows what is going to be: For who shall tell him how it shall be?

⁸ There is no man that has power over the spirit To retain the spirit; And there is no power in the day of death: And there is no discharge in the day of battle; Neither shall ungodliness save her votary.

⁹ So I saw all this, And I applied my heart to every work That has been done under the sun; All the things wherein man has power Over man to afflict him.

¹⁰ And then I saw the ungodly carried into the tombs, And that out of the holy place: And they departed, and were praised in the city, Because they had done thus: This also is vanity.

¹¹ Because there is no contradiction made On the part of those who do evil quickly, Therefore the heart of the children of men Is fully determined in them to do evil.

¹² He that has sinned has done evil from that time, And long from beforehand: Nevertheless I know, That it is well with them that fear God, That they may fear before him:

¹³ But it shall not be well with the ungodly, And he shall not prolong his days, which are as a shadow; Forasmuch as he fears not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; That there are righteous persons to whom it happens According to the doing of the ungodly; And there are ungodly men, to whom it happens According to the doing of the just: I said, This is also vanity.

¹⁵ Then I praised mirth, Because there is no good for a man under the sun, But to eat, and drink, and be merry: And this shall attend him In his labor all the days of his life, Which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man, and who knoweth the explanation of a thing? A man's wisdom brighteneth his countenance, and the harshness of his face is changed.

² I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that on account of the oath of God.

³ Be not in haste to depart from his presence; persist not in an evil thing; for whatever pleaseth him, that he doeth.

⁴ For the word of the king is powerful; and who can say to him, “What doest thou?”

⁵ He that keepeth the commandment shall experience no evil; and the heart of the wise man hath regard to time and judgment.

⁶ For to every thing there is a time and judgment. For the misery of man is great upon him.

⁷ For no one knoweth what shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?

⁸ No man hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit, and no man hath power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in that war; and wickedness shall not deliver those that are guilty of it.

⁹ All this have I seen, and I have given heed to all things that are done under the sun. There is a time when man ruleth over man to his hurt.

¹⁰ And so I saw the wicked buried, while the righteous came and went from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city. This also is vanity.

¹¹ Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore doth the heart of the sons of men become bold within them to do evil.

¹² But though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and have his days prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked: he shall be like a shadow, and shall not prolong his days, because he feareth not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which taketh place upon the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked, and that there are wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous. I said, “This also is vanity!”

¹⁵ Then I commended joy; because nothing is good for a man under the sun, except to eat and to drink and to be joyful; for it is this that abideth with him for his labor during the days of his life which God giveth him under the sun.

¹ Who is a wise man? Who knows what the events in life mean? Wisdom in a man causes his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I advise you to obey the king's command because of God's oath to protect him.

³ Do not hurry out of his presence, and do not stand in support of something wrong, for the king does whatever he desires.

⁴ The king's word rules, so who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the king's commands avoids harm. A wise man's heart recognizes the proper course and time of action.

⁶ For every matter there is a correct response and a time to respond, because the troubles of man are great.

⁷ No one knows what is coming next. Who can tell him what is coming?

⁸ No one is ruler over his breath so as to stop the breath, and no one has power over the day of his death. No one is discharged from the army during a battle, and wickedness will not rescue those who are its slaves.

⁹ I have realized all this; I have applied my heart to every kind of work that is done under the sun. There is a time when a person oppresses another person to that person's hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried publicly. They were taken from the holy area and buried and were praised by people in the city where they had done their wicked deeds. This also is uselessness.

¹¹ When a sentence against an evil crime is not executed quickly, it entices the hearts of human beings to do evil.

¹² Even though a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives a long time, yet I know that it will be better for those who respect God, for those who stand before him and show him respect.

¹³ But it will not go well for a wicked man; his life will not be prolonged. His days are like a fleeting shadow because he does not honor God.

¹⁴ There is another useless vapor—something else that is done on the earth. Things happen to righteous people as they happen to wicked people, and things happen to wicked people as they happen to righteous people. I say that this also is useless vapor.

¹⁵ So I recommend happiness, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat and drink and to be happy. It is happiness that will accompany him in his labor for all the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practise it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labour all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

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.

² I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

³ Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatever pleaseth him.

⁴ Where the word of a king is , there is power: and who may say to him, what doest thou?

⁵ He who keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

⁶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

⁷ For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

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.

⁹ All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time in which one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

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.

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.

¹² Though a sinner doeth evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet surely I know that it will be well with them that fear God, who fear before him:

¹³ But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are just men , to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men , to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I 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 labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

² I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

³ Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

⁴ for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

⁶ For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

⁷ For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

⁸ There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practise it.

⁹ All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁰ So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. 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.

¹² Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

¹³ But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God.

¹⁴ There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labour all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹ Who is such as a wise man? and who knoweth the solving, either expounding, of a word? The wisdom of a man shineth in his cheer; and the mightiest shall change his face.

² I keep the mouth of the king, and the commandments and the swearings of God.

³ Haste thou not to go away from his face, and dwell thou not in evil work. For he shall do all thing, that he will;

⁴ and his word is full of power, and no man may say to him, Why doest thou so?

⁵ He that keepeth the commandment of God, shall not feel anything of evil; the heart of a wise man understandeth time and answer.

⁶ Time and season is to each work; and much torment is of a man,

⁷ for he knoweth not the things passed, and he may not know by any messenger the things to come.

⁸ It is not in the power of man to forbid the spirit, that is, his soul, from going out from the body, neither he hath power in the day of death, neither he is suffered to have rest, when the battle nigheth; neither wickedness shall save a wicked man.

⁹ I beheld all these things, and I gave mine heart in all works, that be done under the sun. Sometime a man is lord of a man, to his evil.

¹⁰ I saw wicked men buried, which, when they lived yet, were in holy place; and they were praised in the city, as men of just or rightwise works; but also this is vanity.

¹¹ Forsooth for the sentence is not brought forth soon against evil men, the sons of men do evils without any dread.

¹² Nevertheless of that, that a sinner doeth evil an hundred times, and is suffered by patience, I knew that good it shall be to men dreading God, that reverence his face, or presence.

¹³ Good be not to the wicked man, neither his days be made long; but pass they as shadow, that dread not the face of the Lord.

¹⁴ Also another vanity there is, that is done on earth. Just or rightwise men there be, to whom evils come, as if they did the works of wicked men; and wicked men there be, that be as secure, as if they had done the deeds of just or rightwise men; but I deem also this most vain.

¹⁵ Therefore I praised gladness, that no good was to a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and to be joyful; and that he should bear away with himself only this of his travail, in the days of his life, which God gave to him under the sun.

¹ Who is such as a wise man? and who knoweth the solving, either expounding, of a word? The wisdom of a man shineth in his cheer; and the mightiest shall change his face, (or The wisdom of a person shineth in their face; and maketh even the mightiest to change his expression, or his countenance).

² I keep the mouth of the king, and the commandments and the swearings of God. (I counsel, (or advise), thee to obey the king’s commands, and to keep your oath, (or your pledge), to God.)

³ Haste thou not to go away from his face, and dwell thou not in evil work. For he shall do all thing, that he will, (or For he shall do anything, that he desireth);

⁴ and his word is full of power, and no man may say to him (or and no one can say to him), Why doest thou so?

⁵ He that keepeth the commandment of God, shall not feel anything of evil; the heart of a wise man understandeth time and answer.

⁶ Time and season is to each work; and much torment is of a man,

⁷ for he knoweth not the things passed, and he may not know by any messenger the things to come.

⁸ It is not in the power of man to forbid the spirit, that is, his soul, from going out from the body, neither he hath power in the day of death, neither he is suffered to have rest, when the battle nigheth; neither wickedness shall save a wicked man.

⁹ I beheld all these things, and I gave mine heart in(to) all works, that be done under the sun. Sometime a man is lord of a man, to his evil.

¹⁰ I saw wicked men buried, which, when they lived yet, were in (the) holy place; and they were praised in the city, as men of just works; but also this is vanity. (I saw the wicked buried, which, when they still lived, were in the holy place; and they were praised in the city, as people of righteous works; but this is also empty and futile.)

¹¹ Forsooth for the sentence is not brought forth soon against evil men, the sons of men do evils without any dread. (But because the punishment is not brought forth quickly against evil people, the sons and daughters of men do evil without any fear.)

¹² Nevertheless of that, that a sinner doeth evil an hundred times, and is suffered by patience, I knew that good it shall be to men dreading God, that reverence his face, or presence. (Nevertheless, even though a sinner may do evil a hundred times, and is patiently allowed to, I know that it shall be good for those who fear God, yea, for those who have reverence before his face, or in his presence.)

¹³ Good be not to the wicked man, neither his days be made long; but pass they as shadow, that dread not the face of the Lord. (But good shall not be to a wicked person, nor shall his days be made long; but they shall pass like a shadow, for those who do not fear the face of the Lord or those who do not have reverence before the Lord.)

¹⁴ Also another vanity there is, that is done on earth. Just men there be, to whom evils come, as if they did the works of wicked men; and wicked men there be, that be as secure, as if they had (done) the deeds of just men; but I deem also this most vain. (There is also another vanity, that is done on the earth, or There is also more that is empty and futile, that is found on the earth. There be good, or righteous, people, to whom evils come, as if they did the works of the wicked; and there be wicked people, who be as secure, as if they had done the deeds of the good, or of the righteous; but I also judge this to be most empty and futile.)

¹⁵ Therefore I praised gladness, that no good was to a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and to be joyful; and that he should bear away with himself only this of his travail, in the days of his life, which God gave to him under the sun. (And so I praised pleasure, or enjoyment, yea, that there was no better thing for anyone under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and to be joyful; for he hath only this from all his labour, which he can carry away with himself, in all the days of his life, which God gave to him under the sun.)

¹ 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 pray thee, the commandment of a king keep, even for the sake of the oath of God.

³ 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 power is, and who saith to him, 'What dost thou?'

⁵ Whoso is keeping a command knoweth no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knoweth.

⁶ 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 when it shall be who declareth to him?

⁸ 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.