The Sexually Healthy Church

Weeping at Christmas

The Key of Gratitude: Accessing God's Presence

The Cast of the Christmas Story

Creator’s Hope for the People

LIVING LETTERS: Showing JESUS Through Your Life

Camping Arrangements

Yield. Don’t Prove - a 3 Day Devotional on Trusting God and Living as His Vessel

VICTORY OVER IDENTITY CRISIS & ADDICTIONS

Choose This Day: Following Christ as a Military Operator

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

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      <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="ECC.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">A good name is better than fine perfume,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.7.1"><span class="content">and the day of death better than the day of birth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.7.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">It is better to go to a house of mourning</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">than to go to a house of feasting,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">for death is the destiny of everyone;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">the living should take this to heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Frustration is better than laughter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.7.3"><span class="content">because a sad face is good for the heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.7.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.7.4"><span class="content">but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.7.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.7.5"><span class="content">than to listen to the song of fools.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.7.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="content">so is the laughter of fools.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="content">This too is meaningless.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Extortion turns a wise person into a fool,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.7.7"><span class="content">and a bribe corrupts the heart.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.7.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The end of a matter is better than its beginning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.7.8"><span class="content">and patience is better than pride.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.7.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.7.9"><span class="content">for anger resides in the lap of fools.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.7.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Do not say, &#8220;Why were the old days better than these?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.7.10"><span class="content">For it is not wise to ask such questions.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.7.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.7.11"><span class="content">and benefits those who see the sun.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.7.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Wisdom is a shelter</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">as money is a shelter,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">but the advantage of knowledge is this:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">Wisdom preserves those who have it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Consider what God has done:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="content">Who can straighten</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="content">what he has made crooked?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When times are good, be happy;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">but when times are bad, consider this:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">God has made the one</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">as well as the other.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">Therefore, no one can discover</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">anything about their future.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="content">the righteous perishing in their righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="content">and the wicked living long in their wickedness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Do not be overrighteous,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="content">neither be overwise&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="content">why destroy yourself?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Do not be overwicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="content">and do not be a fool&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="content">why die before your time?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">It is good to grasp the one</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="content">and not let go of the other.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="content">Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:18 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">will follow them both</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.7.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.7.19"><span class="content">than ten rulers in a city.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.7.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.7.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.7.20"><span class="content">no one who does what is right and never sins.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.7.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.7.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Do not pay attention to every word people say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.7.21"><span class="content">or you may hear your servant cursing you&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.7.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.7.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">for you know in your heart</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.7.22"><span class="content">that many times you yourself have cursed others.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.7.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">All this I tested by wisdom and I said,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="content">&#8220;I am determined to be wise&#8221;&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="content">but this was beyond me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.7.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Whatever exists is far off and most profound&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.7.24"><span class="content">who can discover it?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.7.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">So I turned my mind to understand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">and to understand the stupidity of wickedness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">and the madness of folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">I find more bitter than death</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">the woman who is a snare,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">whose heart is a trap</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">and whose hands are chains.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">The man who pleases God will escape her,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">but the sinner she will ensnare.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ECC.7.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">&#8220;Look,&#8221; says the Teacher,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:27 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">the leader of the assembly</span></span></span><span class="content"> &#8220;this is what I have discovered:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ECC.7.27"><span class="content">&#8220;Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ECC.7.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">while I was still searching</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">but not finding&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">I found one upright man among a thousand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">but not one upright woman among them all.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ECC.7.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">This only have I found:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ECC.7.29"><span class="content">God created mankind upright,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ECC.7.29"><span class="content">but they have gone in search of many schemes.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
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The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

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         <div class="label">8</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Who is like the wise?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.8.1"><span class="content">Who knows the explanation of things?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.8.1"><span class="content">A person&#8217;s wisdom brightens their face</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.8.1"><span class="content">and changes its hard appearance.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Obey the King</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.8.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Obey the king&#8217;s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Do not be in a hurry to leave the king&#8217;s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Since a king&#8217;s word is supreme, who can say to him, &#8220;What are you doing?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.8.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.8.5"><span class="content">and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.8.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.8.6"><span class="content">though a person may be weighed down by misery.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.8.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Since no one knows the future,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.8.7"><span class="content">who can tell someone else what is to come?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.8.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">As no one has power over the wind to contain it,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.8.8"><span class="content">so</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:8 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">over the human spirit to retain it, / and so</span></span></span><span class="content"> no one has power over the time of their death.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.8.8"><span class="content">As no one is discharged in time of war,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.8.8"><span class="content">so wickedness will not release those who practice it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">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</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:9 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">to their</span></span></span><span class="content"> hurt. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then too, I saw the wicked buried&#8212;those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:10 </span><span class="ft">Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (Aquila); most Hebrew manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">and are forgotten</span></span></span><span class="content"> in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.8.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people&#8217;s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.8.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth&#8212;people getting no sleep day or night&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.</span></span></div>
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   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="ECC.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">A Common Destiny for All</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God&#8217;s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">All share a common destiny&#8212;the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:2 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint (Aquila), Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew does not have </span><span class="fq">and the bad</span><span class="fqa">.</span></span></span><span class="content"> the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.9.2"><span class="content">As it is with the good,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.9.2"><span class="content">so with the sinful;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.9.2"><span class="content">as it is with those who take oaths,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.9.2"><span class="content">so with those who are afraid to take them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.9.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Anyone who is among the living has hope</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">What then is to be chosen? With all who live, there is hope</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8212;even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">For the living know that they will die,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.9.5"><span class="content">but the dead know nothing;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.9.5"><span class="content">they have no further reward,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.9.5"><span class="content">and even their name is forgotten.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.9.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Their love, their hate</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.9.6"><span class="content">and their jealousy have long since vanished;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.9.6"><span class="content">never again will they have a part</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.9.6"><span class="content">in anything that happens under the sun.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun&#8212;all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.9.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">I have seen something else under the sun:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">The race is not to the swift</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">or the battle to the strong,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">nor does food come to the wise</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">or wealth to the brilliant</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">or favor to the learned;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">but time and chance happen to them all.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.9.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.9.12"><span class="content">As fish are caught in a cruel net,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.9.12"><span class="content">or birds are taken in a snare,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.9.12"><span class="content">so people are trapped by evil times</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.9.12"><span class="content">that fall unexpectedly upon them.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom Better Than Folly</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">So I said, &#8220;Wisdom is better than strength.&#8221; But the poor man&#8217;s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.9.17"><span class="content">than the shouts of a ruler of fools.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.9.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Wisdom is better than weapons of war,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.9.18"><span class="content">but one sinner destroys much good.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="ECC.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.10.1"><span class="content">so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.10.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The heart of the wise inclines to the right,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.10.2"><span class="content">but the heart of the fool to the left.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.10.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Even as fools walk along the road,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="content">they lack sense</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="content">and show everyone how stupid they are.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">If a ruler&#8217;s anger rises against you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="content">do not leave your post;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="content">calmness can lay great offenses to rest.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">There is an evil I have seen under the sun,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.10.5"><span class="content">the sort of error that arises from a ruler:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.10.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Fools are put in many high positions,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.10.6"><span class="content">while the rich occupy the low ones.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I have seen slaves on horseback,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"><span class="content">while princes go on foot like slaves.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.10.8"><span class="content">whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.10.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"><span class="content">whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">If the ax is dull</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">and its edge unsharpened,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">more strength is needed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">but skill will bring success.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">If a snake bites before it is charmed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"><span class="content">the charmer receives no fee.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.10.12"><span class="content">but fools are consumed by their own lips.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.10.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">At the beginning their words are folly;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.10.13"><span class="content">at the end they are wicked madness&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.10.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">and fools multiply words.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="content">No one knows what is coming&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="content">who can tell someone else what will happen after them?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The toil of fools wearies them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"><span class="content">they do not know the way to town.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Woe to the land whose king was a servant</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">king is a child</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.10.16"><span class="content">and whose princes feast in the morning.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.10.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="content">and whose princes eat at a proper time&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="content">for strength and not for drunkenness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Through laziness, the rafters sag;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"><span class="content">because of idle hands, the house leaks.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">A feast is made for laughter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="content">wine makes life merry,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="content">and money is the answer for everything.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Do not revile the king even in your thoughts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="content">or curse the rich in your bedroom,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="content">because a bird in the sky may carry your words,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="content">and a bird on the wing may report what you say.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="ECC.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Invest in Many Ventures</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Ship your grain across the sea;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.11.1"><span class="content">after many days you may receive a return.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.11.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.11.2"><span class="content">you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.11.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">If clouds are full of water,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.11.3"><span class="content">they pour rain on the earth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.11.3"><span class="content">Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.11.3"><span class="content">in the place where it falls, there it will lie.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.11.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Whoever watches the wind will not plant;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.11.4"><span class="content">whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.11.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">As you do not know the path of the wind,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.11.5"><span class="content">or how the body is formed</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">know how life </span><span class="ft">(or </span><span class="fqa">the spirit</span><span class="ft">) / </span><span class="fqa">enters the body being formed</span></span></span><span class="content"> in a mother&#8217;s womb,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.11.5"><span class="content">so you cannot understand the work of God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.11.5"><span class="content">the Maker of all things.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.11.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Sow your seed in the morning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.11.6"><span class="content">and at evening let your hands not be idle,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.11.6"><span class="content">for you do not know which will succeed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.11.6"><span class="content">whether this or that,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.11.6"><span class="content">or whether both will do equally well.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Remember Your Creator While Young</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.11.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Light is sweet,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.11.7"><span class="content">and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.11.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">However many years anyone may live,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.11.8"><span class="content">let them enjoy them all.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.11.8"><span class="content">But let them remember the days of darkness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.11.8"><span class="content">for there will be many.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.11.8"><span class="content">Everything to come is meaningless.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.11.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">You who are young, be happy while you are young,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="content">and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="content">Follow the ways of your heart</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="content">and whatever your eyes see,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="content">but know that for all these things</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="content">God will bring you into judgment.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.11.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">So then, banish anxiety from your heart</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.11.10"><span class="content">and cast off the troubles of your body,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.11.10"><span class="content">for youth and vigor are meaningless.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="ECC.12">
         <div class="label">12</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Remember your Creator</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.12.1"><span class="content">in the days of your youth,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.12.1"><span class="content">before the days of trouble come</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.12.1"><span class="content">and the years approach when you will say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.12.1"><span class="content">&#8220;I find no pleasure in them&#8221;&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.12.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">before the sun and the light</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.12.2"><span class="content">and the moon and the stars grow dark,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.12.2"><span class="content">and the clouds return after the rain;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.12.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">when the keepers of the house tremble,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.12.3"><span class="content">and the strong men stoop,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.12.3"><span class="content">when the grinders cease because they are few,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.12.3"><span class="content">and those looking through the windows grow dim;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.12.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">when the doors to the street are closed</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.12.4"><span class="content">and the sound of grinding fades;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.12.4"><span class="content">when people rise up at the sound of birds,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.12.4"><span class="content">but all their songs grow faint;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.12.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">when people are afraid of heights</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">and of dangers in the streets;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">when the almond tree blossoms</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">and the grasshopper drags itself along</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">and desire no longer is stirred.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">Then people go to their eternal home</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">and mourners go about the streets.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.12.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Remember him&#8212;before the silver cord is severed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.12.6"><span class="content">and the golden bowl is broken;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.12.6"><span class="content">before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.12.6"><span class="content">and the wheel broken at the well,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.12.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">and the dust returns to the ground it came from,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.12.7"><span class="content">and the spirit returns to God who gave it.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.12.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">&#8220;Meaningless! Meaningless!&#8221; says the Teacher.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:8 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">the leader of the assembly</span><span class="ft">; also in verses 9 and 10</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.12.8"><span class="content">&#8220;Everything is meaningless!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Conclusion of the Matter</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.12.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.12.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails&#8212;given by one shepherd.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:11 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Shepherd</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.12.12"><span class="content">Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.12.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Now all has been heard;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.12.13"><span class="content">here is the conclusion of the matter:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.12.13"><span class="content">Fear God and keep his commandments,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.12.13"><span class="content">for this is the duty of all mankind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.12.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For God will bring every deed into judgment,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.12.14"><span class="content">including every hidden thing,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.12.14"><span class="content">whether it is good or evil.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch130" data-usfm="PSA.130">
         <div class="label">130</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 130</span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">A song of ascents.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.130.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Out of the depths I cry to you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.130.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.130.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Lord, hear my voice.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.130.2"><span class="content">Let your ears be attentive</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.130.2"><span class="content">to my cry for mercy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.130.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.130.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">If you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, kept a record of sins,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.130.3"><span class="content">Lord, who could stand?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.130.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.130.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But with you there is forgiveness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.130.4"><span class="content">so that we can, with reverence, serve you.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.130.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.130.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">I wait for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, my whole being waits,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.130.5"><span class="content">and in his word I put my hope.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.130.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.130.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I wait for the Lord</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.130.6"><span class="content">more than watchmen wait for the morning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.130.6"><span class="content">more than watchmen wait for the morning.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.130.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.130.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Israel, put your hope in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.130.7"><span class="content">for with the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is unfailing love</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.130.7"><span class="content">and with him is full redemption.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.130.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.130.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He himself will redeem Israel</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.130.8"><span class="content">from all their sins.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CO">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="2CO.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.1.1"><span class="content">To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Praise to the God of All Comfort</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.1.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:8 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family; also in 8:1; 13:11.</span></span></span><span class="content"> about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Change of Plans</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:12 </span><span class="ft">Many manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">holiness</span></span></span><span class="content"> and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God&#8217;s grace. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both &#8220;Yes, yes&#8221; and &#8220;No, no&#8221;?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2CO.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not &#8220;Yes&#8221; and &#8220;No.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2CO.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us&#8212;by me and Silas</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:19 </span><span class="ft">Greek </span><span class="fqa">Silvanus</span><span class="ft">, a variant of </span><span class="fq">Silas</span></span></span><span class="content"> and Timothy&#8212;was not &#8220;Yes&#8221; and &#8220;No,&#8221; but in him it has always been &#8220;Yes.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2CO.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">For no matter how many promises God has made, they are &#8220;Yes&#8221; in Christ. And so through him the &#8220;Amen&#8221; is spoken by us to the glory of God. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CO.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2CO.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2CO.1.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2CO.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">I call God as my witness&#8212;and I stake my life on it&#8212;that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2CO.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CO">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="2CO.2">
         <div class="label">2</div><div class="nb"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Forgiveness for the Offender</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.2.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent&#8212;not to put it too severely. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven&#8212;if there was anything to forgive&#8212;I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Ministers of the New Covenant</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.2.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ&#8217;s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.</span></span></div>
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