The misery of human life
1Painful is the lot of all humans, a heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam from the day they leave their mother’s womb to the day they return to the mother of us all.
2What is on their mind, what they fear in their heart, is the day of their death. 3From the king, glorious on his throne, robed in purple and wearing a crown, 4to the lowliest person sitting in dust and ashes and covered with sackcloth, there is anger, envy, trouble and unrest, fear of death, rivalry and quarrels.
5And at night when we lie down we have fresh worries: 6scarcely are we at rest and asleep when we are troubled by dreams as vivid as if it were day and we were fleeing from a battle. 7When it is time to wake up, we feel surprised to find that there is nothing to fear.
8This is the fate of every living creature, man and beast, but for sinners it is seven times worse, 9in death, bloodshed, strife, sword, misfortune, famine, affliction and calamity.
10All these were created for the wicked, and the flood as well was sent on their account.
11Everything that comes from the earth goes back to the earth, and what comes from the waters returns to the sea.
12All bribery, all injustice will disappear but good faith will last forever.
13The unjust riches will vanish like a stream that dries up; they will crash like a clap of thunder during a downpour.
14A generous man has reason to rejoice, whereas sinners go to their ruin.
15The children of the ungodly will not be blessed with large families; they are like plants taking root on sheer rock, 16like reeds in water and along the river bank, withering sooner than other plants.
17Kindness is like a garden of blessings and charity endures forever.
18Life is pleasant both for an independent person and a self-reliant worker, but still better off is the one who finds a treasure.
19The name of a man who has children or who has established a town will live on, but to have found wisdom is a greater good.
Owning cattle and plantations brings fame, but a perfect wife is a richer blessing.
20Wine and music gladden the heart, but better still is the love of wisdom.
21The flute and harp make fine music, but even more appreciated is a pleasant voice.
22Gracefulness and beauty delight the eye, but not as much as the fresh growth of fields.
23It is always good for friends and companions to meet, better still for husband and wife.
24Brothers and protectors are useful in hard times, but it will be of greater help to have been a giver of alms.
25Gold and silver make for security but good advice is better.
26Wealth and strength give confidence, but good counsel is more esteemed than either.
You cannot suffer loss when you fear the Lord, with it you have all the support you need.
27The fear of the Lord is like a garden of blessings; it clothes a person better than any glory.
28My son, do not live the life of a beggar; it would be better to die than to beg.
29When a man is always eyeing another’s table, it cannot be said that he is really living, for he is defiling himself with another’s food; an intelligent and educated man will avoid this.
30That for which a shameless man begs may seem sweet to his mouth but his inner being is burning.
