Pengkhotbah 4:6

4:6 Better is one handful with some rest

than two hands full of toil ¹  and chasing the wind.

Pengkhotbah 5:5

5:5 It is better for you not to vow

than to vow and not pay it. ² 

Pengkhotbah 7:19

Wisdom Needed Because No One is Truly Righteous

7:19 Wisdom gives a wise person more protection ³ 

than ten rulers in a city.

Pengkhotbah 7:23

Human Wisdom is Limited

7:23 I have examined all this by wisdom;

I said, “I am determined ⁴  to comprehend this” ⁵  – but it was beyond my grasp. ⁶ 

Pengkhotbah 8:3

8:3 Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, ⁷ 

for he can do whatever he pleases.

[4:6]  ¹ sn Qoheleth lists three approaches to labor: (1) the competitive workaholic in 4:4, (2) the impoverished sluggard in 4:5, and (3) the contented laborer in 4:6. The balanced approach rebukes the two extremes.

[5:5]  ² tn The word “it” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[7:19]  ³ tn Heb “gives strength.”

[7:23]  ⁴ tn The cohortative אֶחְכָּמָה (’ekhkamah, from חָכַם, khakham,“to be wise”) emphasizes the resolve (determination) of Qoheleth to become wise enough to understand the perplexities of life.

[7:23]  ⁵ tn Or “I am determined to become wise”

[7:23]  ⁶ tn Or “but it eluded me”; Heb “but it was far from me.”

[8:3]  ⁷ tn Or “do not stand up for a bad cause.”