Eccl.7.1

A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date.

Eccl.7.1

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.

Eccl.7.1

A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth;

Eccl.7.1

A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. In the same way, the day you die is better than the day you are born.

Eccl.7.2

You learn more at a funeral than at a feast--After all, that's where we'll end up. We might discover something from it.

Eccl.7.2

It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.

Eccl.7.2

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 take it to heart.

Eccl.7.2

It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time.

Eccl.7.3

Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart.

Eccl.7.3

Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.

Eccl.7.3

Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.

Eccl.7.3

Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.

Eccl.7.4

Sages invest themselves in hurt and grieving. Fools waste their lives in fun and games.

Eccl.7.4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

Eccl.7.4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Eccl.7.4

A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now.

Eccl.7.5

You'll get more from the rebuke of a sage Than from the song and dance of fools.

Eccl.7.5

It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.

Eccl.7.5

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Eccl.7.5

It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool!

Eccl.7.6

The giggles of fools are like the crackling of twigs Under the cooking pot. And like smoke.

Eccl.7.6

Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.

Eccl.7.6

For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

Eccl.7.6

Indeed, a fool's laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.

Eccl.7.7

Brutality stupefies even the wise And destroys the strongest heart.

Eccl.7.7

Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

Eccl.7.7

Surely oppression destroys a wise man's reason, And a bribe debases the heart.

Eccl.7.7

Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart.

Eccl.7.8

Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out.

Eccl.7.8

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Eccl.7.8

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Eccl.7.8

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.

Eccl.7.9

Don't be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.

Eccl.7.9

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Eccl.7.9

Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Eccl.7.9

Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools.

Eccl.7.10

Don't always be asking, "Where are the good old days?" Wise folks don't ask questions like that.

Eccl.7.10

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.

Eccl.7.10

Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

Eccl.7.10

Don't long for "the good old days," for you don't know whether they were any better than today.

Eccl.7.11

Wisdom is better when it's paired with money, Especially if you get both while you're still living.

Eccl.7.11

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.

Eccl.7.11

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun.

Eccl.7.11

Being wise is as good as being rich; in fact, it is better.

Eccl.7.12

Double protection: wisdom and wealth! Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner.

Eccl.7.12

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.

Eccl.7.12

For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Eccl.7.12

Wisdom or money can get you almost anything, but it's important to know that only wisdom can save your life.

Eccl.7.13

Take a good look at God's work. Who could simplify and reduce Creation's curves and angles To a plain straight line?

Eccl.7.13

Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?

Eccl.7.13

Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?

Eccl.7.13

Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don't fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?

Eccl.7.14

On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted.

Eccl.7.14

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.

Eccl.7.14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.

Eccl.7.14

Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life.

Eccl.7.15

I've seen it all in my brief and pointless life--here a good person cut down in the middle of doing good, there a bad person living a long life of sheer evil.

Eccl.7.15

In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.

Eccl.7.15

I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.

Eccl.7.15

In this meaningless life, I have seen everything, including the fact that some good people die young and some wicked people live on and on.

Eccl.7.16

So don't knock yourself out being good, and don't go overboard being wise. Believe me, you won't get anything out of it.

Eccl.7.16

Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise- why destroy yourself?

Eccl.7.16

Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?

Eccl.7.16

So don't be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself?

Eccl.7.17

But don't press your luck by being bad, either. And don't be reckless. Why die needlessly?

Eccl.7.17

Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool- why die before your time?

Eccl.7.17

Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time?

Eccl.7.17

On the other hand, don't be too wicked either--don't be a fool! Why should you die before your time?

Eccl.7.18

It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.

Eccl.7.18

It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.

Eccl.7.18

It is good that you grasp this, And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who fears God will escape them all.

Eccl.7.18

So try to walk a middle course--but those who fear God will succeed either way.

Eccl.7.19

Wisdom puts more strength in one wise person Than ten strong men give to a city.

Eccl.7.19

Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.

Eccl.7.19

Wisdom strengthens the wise More than ten rulers of the city.

Eccl.7.19

A wise person is stronger than the ten leading citizens of a town!

Eccl.7.20

There's not one totally good person on earth, Not one who is truly pure and sinless.

Eccl.7.20

There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.

Eccl.7.20

For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.

Eccl.7.20

There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.

Eccl.7.21

Don't eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossip's about you and you'd rather not hear it?

Eccl.7.21

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you-

Eccl.7.21

Also do not take to heart everything people say, Lest you hear your servant cursing you.

Eccl.7.21

Don't eavesdrop on others--you may hear your servant laughing at you.

Eccl.7.22

You've done that a few times, haven't you--said things Behind someone's back you wouldn't say to his face?

Eccl.7.22

for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Eccl.7.22

For many times, also, your own heart has known That even you have cursed others.

Eccl.7.22

For you know how often you yourself have laughed at others.

Eccl.7.23

I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me,

Eccl.7.23

All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"- but this was beyond me.

Eccl.7.23

All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, "I will be wise"; But it was far from me.

Eccl.7.23

All along I have tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, "I am determined to be wise." But it didn't really work.

Eccl.7.24

far beyond me, and deep--oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it?

Eccl.7.24

Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound- who can discover it?

Eccl.7.24

As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find it out?

Eccl.7.24

Wisdom is always distant and very difficult to find.

Eccl.7.25

I concentrated with all my might, studying and exploring and seeking wisdom--the meaning of life. I also wanted to identify evil and stupidity, foolishness and craziness.

Eccl.7.25

So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.

Eccl.7.25

I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things, To know the wickedness of folly, Even of foolishness and madness.

Eccl.7.25

I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.

Eccl.7.26

One discovery: A woman can be a bitter pill to swallow, full of seductive scheming and grasping. The lucky escape her; the undiscerning get caught.

Eccl.7.26

I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.

Eccl.7.26

And I find more bitter than death The woman whose heart is snares and nets, Whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her, But the sinner shall be trapped by her.

Eccl.7.26

I discovered that a seductive woman is more bitter than death. Her passion is a trap, and her soft hands will bind you. Those who please God will escape from her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.

Eccl.7.27

At least this is my experience--what I, the Quester, have pieced together as I've tried to make sense of life.

Eccl.7.27

"Look," says the Teacher, "this is what I have discovered: "Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things-

Eccl.7.27

"Here is what I have found," says the Preacher, "Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason,

Eccl.7.27

"This is my conclusion," says the Teacher. "I came to this result after looking into the matter from every possible angle.

Eccl.7.28

But the wisdom I've looked for I haven't found. I didn't find one man or woman in a thousand worth my while.

Eccl.7.28

while I was still searching but not finding- I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all.

Eccl.7.28

Which my soul still seeks but I cannot find: One man among a thousand I have found, But a woman among all these I have not found.

Eccl.7.28

Just one out of every thousand men I interviewed can be said to be upright, but not one woman!

Eccl.7.29

Yet I did spot one ray of light in this murk: God made men and women true and upright; we're the ones who've made a mess of things.

Eccl.7.29

This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes."

Eccl.7.29

Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes."

Eccl.7.29

I discovered that God created people to be upright, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path."

Eccl.8.1

There's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Wisdom puts light in the eyes, And gives gentleness to words and manners.

Eccl.8.1

Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance.

Eccl.8.1

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

Eccl.8.1

How wonderful to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its hardness.

Eccl.8.2

Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience.

Eccl.8.2

Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God.

Eccl.8.2

I say, "Keep the king's commandment for the sake of your oath to God.

Eccl.8.2

Obey the king because you have vowed before God to do this.

Eccl.8.3

Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours.

Eccl.8.3

Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

Eccl.8.3

Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him."

Eccl.8.3

Don't try to avoid doing your duty, and don't take a stand with those who plot evil. For the king will punish those who disobey him.

Eccl.8.4

The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, "What are you doing?"

Eccl.8.4

Since a king's word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

Eccl.8.4

Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, "What are you doing?"

Eccl.8.4

The king's command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.

Eccl.8.5

Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately.

Eccl.8.5

Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

Eccl.8.5

He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment,

Eccl.8.5

Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right.

Eccl.8.6

Yes, there's a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part.

Eccl.8.6

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him.

Eccl.8.6

Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, Though the misery of man increases greatly.

Eccl.8.6

Yes, there is a time and a way for everything, even as people's troubles lie heavily upon them.

Eccl.8.7

It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. Who's around to tell us?

Eccl.8.7

Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?

Eccl.8.7

For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?

Eccl.8.7

Indeed, how can people avoid what they don't know is going to happen?

Eccl.8.8

No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say-so regarding the day of death. No one can stop a battle in its tracks. No one who does evil can be saved by evil.

Eccl.8.8

No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.

Eccl.8.8

No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, And no one has power in the day of death. There is no release from that war, And wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it.

Eccl.8.8

None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue those who practice it.

Eccl.8.9

All this I observed as I tried my best to understand all that's going on in this world. As long as men and women have the power to hurt each other, this is the way it is. One Fate for Everybody

Eccl.8.9

All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt.

Eccl.8.9

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

Eccl.8.9

I have thought deeply about all that goes on here in the world, where people have the power to hurt each other.

Eccl.8.10

One time I saw wicked men given a solemn burial in holy ground. When the people returned to the city, they delivered flowery eulogies--and in the very place where wicked acts were done by those very men! More smoke. Indeed.

Eccl.8.10

Then too, I saw the wicked buried-those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.

Eccl.8.10

Then I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of holiness, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also is vanity.

Eccl.8.10

I have seen wicked people buried with honor. How strange that they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are praised in the very city where they committed their crimes!

Eccl.8.11

Because the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder.

Eccl.8.11

When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.

Eccl.8.11

Because the 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.

Eccl.8.11

When a crime is not punished, people feel it is safe to do wrong.

Eccl.8.12

Even though a person sins and gets by with it hundreds of times throughout a long life, I'm still convinced that the good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence,

Eccl.8.12

Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God.

Eccl.8.12

Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.

Eccl.8.12

But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.

Eccl.8.13

and that the evil person will not experience a "good" life. No matter how many days he lives, they'll all be as flat and colorless as a shadow--because he doesn't fear God. [JC]

Eccl.8.13

Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

Eccl.8.13

But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

Eccl.8.13

The wicked will never live long, good lives, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.

Eccl.8.14

Here's something that happens all the time and makes no sense at all: Good people get what's coming to the wicked, and bad people get what's coming to the good. I tell you, this makes no sense. It's smoke.

Eccl.8.14

There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless.

Eccl.8.14

There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that there are just 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.

Eccl.8.14

And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!

Eccl.8.15

So, I'm all for just going ahead and having a good time--the best possible. The only earthly good men and women can look forward to is to eat and drink well and have a good time--compensation for the struggle for survival these few years God gives us on earth.

Eccl.8.15

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Eccl.8.15

So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

Eccl.8.15

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.

Eccl.8.16

When I determined to load up on wisdom and examine everything taking place on earth, I realized that if you keep your eyes open day and night without even blinking,

Eccl.8.16

When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth-his eyes not seeing sleep day or night-

Eccl.8.16

When I applied my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done on earth, even though one sees no sleep day or night,

Eccl.8.16

In my search for wisdom, I tried to observe everything that goes on all across the earth. I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night.

Eccl.8.17

you'll still never figure out the meaning of what God is doing on this earth. Search as hard as you like, you're not going to make sense of it. No matter how smart you are, you won't get to the bottom of it.

Eccl.8.17

then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.

Eccl.8.17

then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.

Eccl.8.17

This reminded me that no one can discover everything God has created in our world, no matter how hard they work at it. Not even the wisest people know everything, even if they say they do.

Eccl.9.1

Well, I took all this in and thought it through, inside and out. Here's what I understood: The good, the wise, and all that they do are in God's hands--but, day by day, whether it's love or hate they're dealing with, they don't know. Anything's possible.

Eccl.9.1

So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.

Eccl.9.1

For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them.

Eccl.9.1

This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God's hands, no one knows whether or not God will show them favor in this life.

Eccl.9.2

It's one fate for everybody--righteous and wicked, good people, bad people, the nice and the nasty, worshipers and non-worshipers, committed and uncommitted.

Eccl.9.2

All share a common destiny-the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.

Eccl.9.2

All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; To the good, the clean, and the unclean; To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; He who takes an oath as he who fears an oath.

Eccl.9.2

The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether they are righteous or wicked, good or bad, ceremonially clean or unclean, religious or irreligious. Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who take oaths are treated like people who don't.

Eccl.9.3

I find this outrageous--the worst thing about living on this earth--that everyone's lumped together in one fate. Is it any wonder that so many people are obsessed with evil? Is it any wonder that people go crazy right and left? Life leads to death. That's it.

Eccl.9.3

This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.

Eccl.9.3

This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Eccl.9.3

It seems so tragic that one fate comes to all. That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.

Eccl.9.4

Still, anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion."

Eccl.9.4

Anyone who is among the living has hope -even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

Eccl.9.4

But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Eccl.9.4

There is hope only for the living. For as they say, "It is better to be a live dog than a dead lion!"

Eccl.9.5

The living at least know something, even if it's only that they're going to die. But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers.

Eccl.9.5

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.

Eccl.9.5

For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

Eccl.9.5

The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered.

Eccl.9.6

Their loves, their hates, yes, even their dreams, are long gone. There's not a trace of them left in the affairs of this earth.

Eccl.9.6

Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.

Eccl.9.6

Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.

Eccl.9.6

Whatever they did in their lifetime--loving, hating, envying--is all long gone. They no longer have a part in anything here on earth.

Eccl.9.7

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes--God takes pleasure in your pleasure!

Eccl.9.7

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.

Eccl.9.7

Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.

Eccl.9.7

So go ahead. Eat your food and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!

Eccl.9.8

Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves.

Eccl.9.8

Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.

Eccl.9.8

Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil.

Eccl.9.8

Wear fine clothes, with a dash of cologne!

Eccl.9.9

Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one!

Eccl.9.9

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.

Eccl.9.9

Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.

Eccl.9.9

Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you in this world. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.

Eccl.9.10

Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed. [JC]

Eccl.9.10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Eccl.9.10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Eccl.9.10

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

Eccl.9.11

I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is--The race is not always to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor satisfaction to the wise, Nor riches to the smart, Nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all.

Eccl.9.11

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Eccl.9.11

I returned and saw under the sun that-- The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

Eccl.9.11

I have observed something else in this world of ours. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise are often poor, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being at the right place at the right time.

Eccl.9.12

No one can predict misfortune. Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap, So men and women are caught By accidents evil and sudden.

Eccl.9.12

Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.

Eccl.9.12

For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them.

Eccl.9.12

People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a snare, people are often caught by sudden tragedy.

1Cor.7.36

If a man has a woman friend to whom he is loyal but never intended to marry, having decided to serve God as a "single," and then changes his mind, deciding he should marry her, he should go ahead and marry. It's no sin; it's not even a "step down" from celibacy, as some say.

1Cor.7.36

If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.

1Cor.7.36

But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry.

1Cor.7.36

But if a man thinks he ought to marry his fiancee because he has trouble controlling his passions and time is passing, it is all right; it is not a sin. Let them marry.

1Cor.7.37

On the other hand, if a man is comfortable in his decision for a single life in service to God and it's entirely his own conviction and not imposed on him by others, he ought to stick with it.

1Cor.7.37

But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin--this man also does the right thing.

1Cor.7.37

Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.

1Cor.7.37

But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry.

1Cor.7.38

Marriage is spiritually and morally right and not inferior to singleness in any way, although as I indicated earlier, because of the times we live in, I do have pastoral reasons for encouraging singleness.

1Cor.7.38

So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better.

1Cor.7.38

So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.

1Cor.7.38

So the person who marries does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better.

1Cor.7.39

A wife must stay with her husband as long as he lives. If he dies, she is free to marry anyone she chooses. She will, of course, want to marry a believer and have the blessing of the Master

1Cor.7.39

A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.

1Cor.7.39

A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

1Cor.7.39

A wife is married to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she wishes, but this must be a marriage acceptable to the Lord.

1Cor.7.40

. By now you know that I think she'll be better off staying single. The Master, in my opinion, thinks so, too.

1Cor.7.40

In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is--and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

1Cor.7.40

But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment--and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

1Cor.7.40

But in my opinion it will be better for her if she doesn't marry again, and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this.

1Cor.8.1

The question keeps coming up regarding meat that has been offered up to an idol: Should you attend meals where such meat is served, or not? We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions--

1Cor.8.1

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1Cor.8.1

Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

1Cor.8.1

Now let's talk about food that has been sacrificed to idols. You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church.

1Cor.8.2

but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds.

1Cor.8.2

The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

1Cor.8.2

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

1Cor.8.2

Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much.

1Cor.8.3

We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.

1Cor.8.3

But the man who loves God is known by God.

1Cor.8.3

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

1Cor.8.3

But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.

1Cor.8.4

Some people say, quite rightly, that idols have no actual existence, that there's nothing to them, that there is no God other than our one God,

1Cor.8.4

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.

1Cor.8.4

Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

1Cor.8.4

So now, what about it? Should we eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God and no other.

1Cor.8.5

that no matter how many of these so-called gods are named and worshiped they still don't add up to anything but a tall story.

1Cor.8.5

For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"),

1Cor.8.5

For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),

1Cor.8.5

According to some people, there are many so-called gods and many lords, both in heaven and on earth.

1Cor.8.6

They say--again, quite rightly--that there is only one God the Father, that everything comes from him, and that he wants us to live for him. Also, they say that there is only one Master--Jesus the Messiah--and that everything is for his sake, including us. Yes. It's true.

1Cor.8.6

yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

1Cor.8.6

yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

1Cor.8.6

But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.

1Cor.8.7

In strict logic, then, nothing happened to the meat when it was offered up to an idol. It's just like any other meat. I know that, and you know that. But knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it--alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn't that insensitive. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we're not all at the same level of understanding in this. Some of you have spent your entire lives eating "idol meat," and are sure that there's something bad in the meat that then becomes something bad inside of you. An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn't going to change overnight.

1Cor.8.7

But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.

1Cor.8.7

However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

1Cor.8.7

However, not all Christians realize this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated.

1Cor.8.8

But fortunately God doesn't grade us on our diet. We're neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can't stomach it.

1Cor.8.8

But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

1Cor.8.8

But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

1Cor.8.8

It's true that we can't win God's approval by what we eat. We don't miss out on anything if we don't eat it, and we don't gain anything if we do.

1Cor.8.9

But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a Christian still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.

1Cor.8.9

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1Cor.8.9

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

1Cor.8.9

But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble.

1Cor.8.10

For instance, say you flaunt your freedom by going to a banquet thrown in honor of idols, where the main course is meat sacrificed to idols. Isn't there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused--maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong.

1Cor.8.10

For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols?

1Cor.8.10

For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols?

1Cor.8.10

You see, this is what can happen: Weak Christians who think it is wrong to eat this food will see you eating in the temple of an idol. You know there's nothing wrong with it, but they will be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been dedicated to the idol.

1Cor.8.11

Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him--because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin!

1Cor.8.11

So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.

1Cor.8.11

And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

1Cor.8.11

So because of your superior knowledge, a weak Christian, for whom Christ died, will be destroyed.

1Cor.8.12

When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones."

1Cor.8.12

When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

1Cor.8.12

But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

1Cor.8.12

And you are sinning against Christ when you sin against other Christians by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong.

1Cor.8.13

So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there's any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters. [JC]

1Cor.8.13

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

1Cor.8.13

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

1Cor.8.13

If what I eat is going to make another Christian sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live--for I don't want to make another Christian stumble.

Ps.95.1

Come, let's shout praises to GOD, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!

Ps.95.1

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Ps.95.1

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Ps.95.1

Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation!

Ps.95.2

Let's march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!

Ps.95.2

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Ps.95.2

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Ps.95.2

Let us come before him with thanksgiving. Let us sing him psalms of praise.

Ps.95.3

And why? Because GOD is the best, High King over all the gods.

Ps.95.3

For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Ps.95.3

For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.

Ps.95.3

For the LORD is a great God, the great King above all gods.

Ps.95.4

In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns, in the other hand grasps the high mountains.

Ps.95.4

In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

Ps.95.4

In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also.

Ps.95.4

He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are his.

Ps.95.5

He made Ocean--he owns it! His hands sculpted Earth!

Ps.95.5

The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

Ps.95.5

The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land.

Ps.95.5

The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.

Ps.95.6

So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before GOD, who made us!

Ps.95.6

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

Ps.95.6

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Ps.95.6

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,

Ps.95.7

Oh yes, he's our God, and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:

Ps.95.7

for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice,

Ps.95.7

For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:

Ps.95.7

for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the sheep under his care. Oh, that you would listen to his voice today!

Ps.95.8

"Don't turn a deaf ear as in the Bitter Uprising, As on the day of the Wilderness Test,

Ps.95.8

do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the desert,

Ps.95.8

"Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness,

Ps.95.8

The LORD says, "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness.

Ps.95.9

when your ancestors turned and put me to the test.

Ps.95.9

where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did.

Ps.95.9

When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work.

Ps.95.9

For there your ancestors tried my patience; they courted my wrath though they had seen my many miracles.

Ps.95.10

For forty years they watched me at work among them, as over and over they tried my patience. And I was provoked--oh, was I provoked! "Can't they keep their minds on God for five minutes? Do they simply refuse to walk down my road?'

Ps.95.10

For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways."

Ps.95.10

For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, "It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.'

Ps.95.10

For forty years I was angry with them, and I said, `They are a people whose hearts turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.'

Ps.95.11

Exasperated, I exploded, "They'll never get where they're headed, never be able to sit down and rest.'"

Ps.95.11

So I declared on oath in my anger, "They shall never enter my rest."

Ps.95.11

So I swore in My wrath, "They shall not enter My rest.'|"

Ps.95.11

So in my anger I made a vow: `They will never enter my place of rest.'"