1 Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother’s womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.
2 Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, trouble their thoughts, and cause fear of heart;
3 From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;
4 From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.
5 Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.
6 A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
7 When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.
8 Such things happen unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.
9 Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;
10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.
11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.
12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.
13 The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.
14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.
15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.
16 The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.
17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.
18 To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.
19 Children and the building of a city continue a man’s name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.
20 Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.
21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.
22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.
23 A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.
24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.
25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.
26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.
28 My son, lead not a beggar’s life; for better it is to die than to beg.
29 The life of him that dependeth on another man’s table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men’s meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.
30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.
The Misery of Human Life
1 Every person has been given a great deal of work to do. A heavy burden lies on all of us from the day of our birth until the day we go back to the earth, the mother of us all. 2 We are confused and fearful, dreading the day of our death— 3-4 all of us from the king on his splendid throne wearing royal robes and a crown, to the humblest person dressed in burlap and living in poverty. 5 All through our lives we meet anger, jealousy, and trouble. Things disturb us; we live with furious conflicts and with the fear of death. Even when we go to bed, we think up new troubles in our sleep. 6 We get little rest, if any at all. When we sleep, it is as if we were awake, disturbed by our imaginations. If we dream that we are running from an enemy, 7 just as we are about to be caught, we wake up and are relieved to find there is nothing to be afraid of.
8 Here is what all creatures, both human and animal, must face (but it is seven times worse for sinners): 9 death, violence, conflict, murder, disaster, famine, sickness, epidemic. 10 All these things were created because of the wicked; they are the ones who have caused destruction. 11 Everything that comes from the earth goes back to the earth, just as all water flows into the sea.
The Results of Evil
12 Nothing that comes from bribery or injustice will last, but the effects of loyalty will remain forever. 13 Wealth that has been obtained dishonestly is like a stream that runs full during a thunderstorm, 14 tumbling rocks along as it flows, but then suddenly goes dry. 15 The children of ungodly people will not leave large families; they are like plants trying to take root on rock, 16 like reeds along a river bank, withering before any other plant. 17 Acts of kindness and charity are as lasting as eternity.
The Joys of Human Life
18 Being independently wealthy or working for a living—both can make life pleasant, but it is better to find a treasure.
19 Your name can be preserved if you have children or if you establish a city, but finding Wisdom is a better way.
Owning livestock and orchards will make you famous, but it is better to have a wife you love.
20 Wine and music can make you happy, but a happy marriage is even better.
21 Flutes and harps make fine music, but a pleasant voice is better than either.
22 Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as much as new growth in the spring.
23 You can't go wrong with a good friend or neighbor, but an intelligent wife is better than either.
24 Relatives and helpers are good to have in times of trouble, but it will be an even greater help if you have made a practice of giving to the poor.
25 Gold and silver provide security, but good advice is better.
26 Wealth and strength give confidence, but the fear of the Lord can give you even greater confidence. When you fear the Lord you need nothing more; it is all the support you need. 27 The fear of the Lord is like a rich garden of blessings; you could not want a more glorious shelter.
Begging
28 My child, don't live the life of a beggar; it is better to die than to beg. 29 If you have to depend on someone else for your food, you are not really living your own life. You pollute yourself by accepting food from another. Begging is torture to the soul of any sensitive person. 30 A shameless person can make begging sound sweet, but something inside him burns.