Ecclesiastes

Life’s cycles and human toil are repetitive and unsatisfying; all is ‘vanity’ (hevel) under the sun—wisdom observes that nothing is truly new.

Qoheleth experiments with pleasure, projects, possessions, and wisdom itself; all prove fleeting since both wise and foolish share the same death.

For everything there is a season; God makes all things beautiful in their time yet hides the whole plan—humans should enjoy God-given work.

Observation of oppression, rivalry, envy, and isolation shows companionship is better; yet crowds are fickle toward even the wisest king.

Guard your steps in God’s house, speak few words; wealth gained by oppression satisfies no one—enjoy simple gifts from God instead.

Even long life, riches, and many children cannot guarantee contentment; better to see satisfaction than to wander after desire—everything is vapor.

Proverbs contrast wisdom and folly: mourning sobers the heart, patience surpasses pride, and true wisdom accepts both prosperity and adversity from God.

Authority’s mysteries and life’s injustices puzzle the wise; still, those who fear God fare better—joy in work is the modest antidote.

Shared destiny of death comes to all; therefore eat, drink, and rejoice with your spouse—yet success often depends on unpredictable ‘time and chance.’

Small follies outweigh wisdom; rulers’ moods, lazy rafters, and careless words bring ruin—so act prudently and guard your speech.

Diversify ventures (cast bread on waters); embrace risk—morning and evening sow seed, rejoice in youth, yet remember God will judge.

Remember your Creator before old age’s decay and death (‘silver cord’ severed); the Teacher’s conclusion: fear God and keep His commandments—this is the whole duty of mankind.