旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 1 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
1:1 在耶路撒冷作王，大卫的儿子，传道者的言语。
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
1:2 传道者说，虚空的虚空，虚空的虚空。凡事都是虚空。
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
1:3 人一切的劳碌，就是他在日光之下的劳碌，有什么益处呢。
What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
1:4 一代过去，一代又来。地却永远长存。
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
1:5 日头出来，日头落下，急归所出之地。
The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
1:6 风往南刮，又向北转，不住的旋转，而且返回转行原道。
The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
1:7 江河都往海里流，海却不满。江河从何处流，仍归何处。
All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
1:8 万事令人厌烦。（或作万物满有困乏）人不能说尽。眼看，看不饱，耳听，听不足。
All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
1:9 已有的事，后必再有。已行的事，后必再行。日光之下并无新事。
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
1:10 岂有一件事人能指着说，这是新的。那知，在我们以前的世代，早已有了。
Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
1:11 已过的世代，无人记念，将来的世代，后来的人也不记念。
There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
1:12 我传道者在耶路撒冷作过以色列的王。
I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
1:13 我专心用智慧寻求查究天下所作的一切事，乃知神叫世人所经练的，是极重的劳苦。
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
1:14 我见日光之下所作的一切事，都是虚空，都是捕风。
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
1:15 弯曲的不能变直，缺少的不能足数。
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
1:16 我心里议论，说，我得了大智慧，胜过我以前在耶路撒冷的众人。而且我心中多经历智慧，和知识的事。
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
1:17 我又专心察明智慧，狂妄，和愚昧。乃知道也是捕风。
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
1:18 因为多有智慧，就多有愁烦。加增知识的，就加增忧伤。
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 2 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
2:1 我心里说，来吧，我以喜乐试试你，你好享福。谁知道，这也是虚空。
I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
2:2 我指嬉笑说，这是狂妄。论喜乐说，有何功效呢。
I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
2:3 我心里察究，如何用酒使我肉体舒畅，我心却仍以智慧引导我。又如何持住愚昧，等我看明世人，在天下一生当行何事为美。
I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
2:4 我为自己动大工程，建造房屋，栽种葡萄园，
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
2:5 修造园囿，在其中栽种各样果木树，
I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
2:6 挖造水池，用以浇灌嫩小的树木。
I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
2:7 我买了仆婢，也有生在家中的仆婢。又有许多牛群羊群，胜过以前在耶路撒冷众人所有的。
I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
2:8 我又为自己积蓄金银，和君王的财宝，并各省的财宝。又得唱歌的男女，和世人所喜爱的物，并许多的妃嫔。
I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
2:9 这样，我就日见昌盛，胜过以前在耶路撒冷的众人。我的智慧仍然存留。
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
2:10 凡我眼所求的，我没有留下不给他的。我心所乐的，我没有禁止不享受的。因我的心为我一切所劳碌的快乐。这就是我从劳碌中所得的分。
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
2:11 后来我察看我手所经营的一切事，和我劳碌所成的功。谁知都是虚空，都是捕风，在日光之下毫无益处。
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
2:12 我转念观看智慧，狂妄，和愚昧。在王以后而来的人，还能作什么呢。也不过行早先所行的就是了。
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
2:13 我便看出智慧胜过愚昧，如同光明胜过黑暗。
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
2:14 智慧人的眼目光明，（光明原文作在他头上）愚昧人在黑暗里行。我却看明有一件事，这两等人都必遇见。
The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
2:15 我就心里说，愚昧人所遇见的，我也必遇见。我为何更有智慧呢。我心里说，这也是虚空。
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
2:16 智慧人，和愚昧人一样，永远无人记念。因为日后都被忘记。可叹智慧人死亡，与愚昧人无异。
For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
2:17 我所以恨恶生命，因为在日光之下所行的事我都以为烦恼。都是虚空，都是捕风。
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
2:18 我恨恶一切的劳碌，就是我在日光之下的劳碌。因为我得来的必留给我以后的人。
Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
2:19 那人是智慧，是愚昧，谁能知道。他竟要管理我劳碌所得的，就是我在日光之下用智慧所得的。这也是虚空。
And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
2:20 故此，我转想我在日光之下所劳碌的一切工作，心便绝望。
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
2:21 因为有人用智慧知识灵巧所劳碌得来的，却要留给未曾劳碌的人为分。这也是虚空，也是大患。
For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
2:22 人在日光之下劳碌累心，在他一切的劳碌人得着什么呢。
For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
2:23 因为他日日忧虑，他的劳苦成为愁烦。连夜间心也不安。这也是虚空。
For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
2:24 人莫强如吃喝，且在劳碌中享福。我看这也是出于神的手。
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
2:25 论到吃用，享福，谁能胜过我呢。
For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
2:26 神喜悦谁，就给谁智慧，知识，和喜乐。惟有罪人，神使他劳苦，叫他将所收聚的，所堆积的，归给神所喜悦的人。这也是虚空，也是捕风。
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 3 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
3:1 凡事都有定期，天下万务都有定时。
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
3:2 生有时，死有时。栽种有时，拔出所栽种的，也有时。
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3:3 杀戮有时，医治有时。拆毁有时，建造有时。
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
3:4 哭有时，笑有时。哀恸有时，跳舞有时。
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
3:5 抛掷石头有时，堆聚石头有时。怀抱有时，不怀抱有时。
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
3:6 寻梢有时，失落有时。保守有时，舍弃有时。
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
3:7 撕裂有时，缝补有时。静默有时，言语有时。
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
3:8 喜爱有时，恨恶有时。争战有时，和好有时。
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
3:9 这样看来，作事的人在他的劳碌上有什么益处呢。
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
3:10 我见神叫世人劳苦，使他们在其中受经练。
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
3:11 神造万物，各按其时成为美好。又将永生安置在世人心里。（永生原文作永远）然而神从始至终的作为，人不能叁透。
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
3:12 我知道世人，莫强如终身喜乐行善。
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
3:13 并且人人吃喝，在他一切劳碌中享福。这也是神的恩赐。
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
3:14 我知道神一切所作的，都必永存，无所增添，无所减少。神这样行，是要人在他面前存敬畏的心。
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
3:15 现今的事早先就有了。经来的事早已也有了。并且神使已过的事重新再来。（或作并且神再寻回已过的事）
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
3:16 我又见日光之下，在审判之处有奸恶。在公义之处也有奸恶。
And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
3:17 我心里说，神必审判义人和恶人。因为在那里，各样事务，一切工作，都有定时。
I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
3:18 我心里说，这乃为世人的缘故，是神要试验他们，使他们觉得自己不过像兽一样。
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
3:19 因为世人遭遇的，兽也遭遇。所遭遇的都是一样。这个怎样死，那个也怎样死。气息都是一样。人不能强于兽。都是虚空。
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
3:20 都归一处。都是出于尘土，也都归于尘土。
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
3:21 谁知道人的灵是往上升，兽的魂是下入地呢。
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
3:22 故此，我见人，莫强如他经营的事上喜乐。因为这是他的分。他身后的事，谁能使他回来得见呢。
Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 4 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
4:1 我又转念，见日光之下所行的一切欺压。看哪，受欺压的流泪，且无人安慰。欺压他们的有势力，也无人安慰他们。
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
4:2 因此，我赞叹那早已死的死人，胜过那还活着的活人。
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
4:3 并且我以为那未曾生的，就是未见过日光之下恶事的，比这两等人更强。
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4:4 我又见人为一切的劳碌，和各样灵巧的工作，就被邻舍嫉妒。这也是虚空，也是捕风。
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
4:5 愚昧人抱着手，吃自己的肉。
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
4:6 满了一把，得享安静，强如满了两把，劳碌捕风。
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
4:7 我又转念，见日光之下有一件虚空的事。
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
4:8 有人孤单无二，无子，无兄，竟劳碌不息，眼目也不以钱财为足。（他说）我劳劳碌碌，刻苦自己，不享福乐，到底是为谁呢。这也是虚空，是极重的劳苦。
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
4:9 两个人总比一个人好，因为二人劳碌同得美好的果效。
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
4:10 若是跌倒，这人可以扶起他的同伴。若是孤身跌倒，没有别人扶起他来。这人就有祸了。
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
4:11 再者，二人同睡，就都暖和。一人独睡，怎能暖和呢。
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
4:12 有人功胜孤身一人，若有二人便能敌挡他。三股合成的绳子，不容易折断。
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
4:13 贫穷而有智慧的少年人，胜过年老不肯纳谏的愚昧王。
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
4:14 这人是从监牢中出来作王。在他国中，生来原是贫穷的。
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
4:15 我见日光之下一切行动的活人，都随从那第二位，就是起来替老王的少年人。
I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
4:16 他所治理的众人，就是他的百姓，多得无数。在他后来的人，尚且不喜悦他。这是虚空，也是捕风。
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 5 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
5:1 你到神的殿，要谨慎脚步。因为近前听，胜过愚昧人献祭，（或作胜过献愚昧人的祭）他们本不知道所作的是恶。
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
5:2 你在神面前不可冒失开口，也不可心急发言。因为神在天上，你在地下，所以你的言语要寡少。
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
5:3 事务多，就令人作梦，言语多，就显出愚昧。
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
5:4 你向神许愿，偿还不可迟延。因他不喜悦愚昧人。所以你许的愿应当偿还。
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
5:5 你许愿不还，不如不许。
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
5:6 不可任你的口使肉体犯罪。也不可在祭司（原文作使者）面前说是错许了。为何使神因你的声音发怒，败坏你手所作的呢。
Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
5:7 多梦和多言，其中多有虚幻。你只要敬畏神。
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
5:8 你若在一省之中见穷人受人欺压，并夺去公义公平的事，不要因此诧异。因有一位高过居高位的鉴察。在他们以上还有更高的。
If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
5:9 况且地的益处归众人。就是君王也受田地的供应。
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
5:10 贪爱银子的，不因得银子知足。贪爱丰富的，也不因得利益知足。这也是虚空。
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
5:11 货物增添，吃的人也增添。物主得什么呢，不过眼看而已。
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
5:12 劳碌的人，不拘吃多吃少，睡得香甜。富足的丰满，却不容他睡觉。
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
5:13 我见日光之下，有一宗大祸患，就是财主积存赀财，反害自己。
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
5:14 因遭遇祸患，这些赀财就消灭。那人若生了儿子，手里也一无所有。
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
5:15 他怎样从母胎赤身而来，也必照样赤身而去。他所劳碌得来的。手中分毫不能带去。
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
5:16 他来的情形怎样，他去的情形也怎样。这也是一宗大祸患。他为风劳碌有什么益处呢。
And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
5:17 并且他终身在黑暗中吃喝，多有烦恼，又有病患呕气。
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
5:18 我所见为善为美的，就是人在神赐他一生的日子吃喝，享受日光之下劳碌得来的好处。因为这是他的分。
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
5:19 神赐人赀财丰富，使他能以吃用，能取自己的分，在他劳碌中喜乐。这乃是神的恩赐。
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
5:20 他不多思念自己一生的年日。因为神应他的心使他喜乐。
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 6 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
6:1 我见日光之下有一宗祸患，重压在人身上。
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
6:2 就是人蒙神赐他赀财，丰富，尊荣，以致他心里所愿的一样都不缺，只是神使他不能吃用，反有外人来吃用。这是虚空，也是祸患。
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
6:3 人若生一百个儿子，活了许多岁数，以致他的年日甚多，心里却不得满享福乐，又不得埋葬。据我说，那不到期而落的胎比他倒好。
If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.
6:4 因为虚虚而来，暗暗而去，名字被黑暗遮蔽。
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
6:5 并且没有见过天日，也无知觉。这胎，比那人倒享安息。
Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
6:6 那人虽然活千年，再活千年，却不享福，众人岂不都归一个地方去吗。
Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
6:7 人的劳碌都为口腹，心里却不知足。
All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
6:8 这样看来，智慧人比愚昧人有什么长处呢。穷人在众人面前知道如何行，有什么长处呢。
For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
6:9 眼睛所看的，比心里妄想的倒好。这也是虚空，也是捕风。
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
6:10 先前所有的，早已起了名。并知道何为人。他也不能与那比自己力大的相争。
That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
6:11 加增虚浮的事既多，这与人有什么益处呢。
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
6:12 人一生虚度的日子，就如影儿经过。谁知道什么与他有益呢。谁能告诉他身后在日光之下有什么事呢。
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 7 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
7:1 名誉强如美好的膏油。人死的日子，胜过人生的日子。
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
7:2 往遭丧的家去，强如往宴乐的家去，因为死是众人的结局。活人也必将这事放在心上。
It is 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 lay it to his heart.
7:3 忧愁强如喜笑，因为面带愁容，终必使心喜乐。
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
7:4 智慧人的心，在遭丧之家。愚昧人的心，在快乐之家。
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
7:5 听智慧人的责备，强如听愚昧人的歌唱。
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
7:6 愚昧人的笑声，好像锅下烧荆棘的爆声，这也是虚空。
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
7:7 勒索使智慧人变为愚妄。贿赂能败坏人的慧心。
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
7:8 事情的终局，强如事情的起头。存心忍耐的，胜过居心骄傲的。
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
7:9 你不要心里急躁恼怒，因为恼怒存在愚昧人的怀中。
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
7:10 不要说，先前的日子强过如今的日子，是什么缘故呢。你这样问，不是出于智慧。
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
7:11 智慧和产业并好。而且见天日的人，得智慧更为有益。
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
7:12 因为智慧护庇人，好像银钱护庇人一样。惟独智慧能保全智慧人的生命，这就是知识的益处。
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
7:13 你要察看神的作为，因为神使为曲的，谁能变为直呢。
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
7:14 遇亨通的日子，你当喜乐。遭患难的日子，你当思想。因为神使这两样并列，为的是叫人查不出身后有什么事。
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
7:15 有义人行义，反致灭亡。有恶人行恶，倒享长寿。这都是我在虚度之日中所见过的。
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
7:16 不要行义过分。也不要过于自逞智慧。何必自取败亡呢。
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
7:17 不要行恶过分。也不要为人愚昧。何必不到期而死呢。
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
7:18 你持守这个为美。那个也不要松手。因为敬畏神的人，必从这两样出来。
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
7:19 智慧使有智慧的人，比城中十个官长更有能力。
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
7:20 时常行善而不犯罪的义人，世上实在没有。
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
7:21 人所说的一切话，你不要放在心上，恐怕听见你的仆人咒诅你。
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
7:22 因为你心里知道，自己也曾屡次咒诅别人。
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
7:23 我曾用智慧试验这一切事。我说，要得智慧，智慧却离我远。
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
7:24 万事之理离我甚远，而且最深，谁能测透呢。
That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
7:25 我转念，一心要知道，要考察，要寻求智慧，和万事的理由。又要知道邪恶为愚昧，愚昧为狂妄。
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
7:26 我得知有等妇人，比死还苦，她的心是网罗，手是锁练。凡蒙神喜悦的人，必能躲避她。
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
7:27 有罪的人，却被她缠住了。
Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
7:28 传道者说，看哪，一千男子中，我找到一个正直人。但众女子中，没有找到一个。我将这事一一比较，要寻求其理，我心仍要寻梢，却未曾找到。
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
7:29 我所找到的，只有一件，就是神造人原是正直，但他们寻出许多巧计。
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 8 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
8:1 谁如智慧人呢。谁知道事情的解释呢。人的智慧使他的脸发光，并使他的脸上的暴气改变。
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
8:2 我劝你遵守王的命令。既指神起誓，理当如此。
I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
8:3 不要急躁离开王的面前。不要固执行恶。因为他凡事都随自己的心意而行。
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
8:4 王的话本有权力，谁敢问他说，你作什么呢。
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
8:5 凡遵守命令的，必不经历祸患。智慧人的心，能辨明时候和定理。（原文作审判下节同）
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
8:6 各样事务成就，都有时候和定理。因为人的苦难，重压在他身上。
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.
8:7 他不知道将来的事，因为将来如何，谁能告诉他呢。
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
8:8 无人有权力掌管生命，将生命留住。也无人有权力掌管死期。这场争战，无人能免，邪恶也不能救那好行邪恶的人。
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
8:9 这一切我都见过。也专心查考日光之下所作的一切事。有时这人管辖那人，令人受害。
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
8:10 我见恶人埋葬，归入坟墓。又见行正直事的，离开圣地，在城中被人忘记。这也是虚空。
And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.
8:11 因为断定罪名，不立刻施刑，所以世人满心作恶。
Because 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.
8:12 罪人虽然作恶百次，倒享长久的年日。然而我准知道，敬畏神的，就是在他面前敬畏的人，终久必得福乐。
Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
8:13 恶人却不得福乐，也不得长久的年日。这年日好像影儿，因他不敬畏神。
But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
8:14 世上有一件虚空的事，就是义人所遭遇的，反照恶人所行的。又有恶人所遭遇的，反照义人所行的。我说，这也是虚空。
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
8:15 我就称赞快乐，原来人在日光之下，莫强如吃喝快乐。因为他在日光之下，神赐他的年日，要从劳碌中，时常享受所得的。
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
8:16 我专心求智慧，要看世上所作的事。（有昼夜不睡觉，不合眼的）。
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)
8:17 我就看明神一切的作为。知道人查不出日光之下所作的事。任凭他费多少力寻查，都查不出来。就是智慧人虽想知道，也是查不出来。
Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 9 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
9:1 我将一切事放在心上，详细考究，就知道义人和智慧人，并他们的作为，都在神手中。或是爱，或是恨，都在他们的前面，人不能知道。
For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.
9:2 凡临到众人的事，都是一样。义人和恶人，都遭遇一样的事。好人，洁净人和不洁净人，献祭的与不献祭的，也是一样。好人如何，罪人也如何。起誓的如何，怕起誓的也如何。
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
9:3 在日光之下所行的一切事上，有一件祸患，就是众人所遭遇的，都是一样。并且世人的心，充满了恶。活着的时候心里狂妄，后来就归死人那里去了。
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
9:4 与一切活人相连的，那人还有指望。因为活着的狗，比死了的狮子更强。
For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
9:5 活着的人，知道必死。死了的人，毫无所知。也不在得赏赐，他们的名无人记念。
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
9:6 他们的爱，他们的恨，他们的嫉妒，早都消灭了。在日光之下所行的一切事上，他们永不再有分了。
Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
9:7 你只管去欢欢喜喜吃你的饭。心中快乐喝你的酒。因为神已经悦纳你的作为。
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
9:8 你的衣服当时常洁白。你头上也不要缺少膏油。
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
9:9 在你一生虚空的年日，就是神赐你在日光之下虚空的年日，当同你所爱的妻，快活度日。因为那是你生前，在日光之下劳碌的事上所得的分。
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
9:10 凡你手所当作的事，要尽力去作。因为在你所必去的阴间，没有工作，没有谋算，没有知识，也没有智慧。
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
9:11 我又转念，见日光之下，快跑的未必能嬴，力战的未必得胜，智慧的未必得粮食，明哲的未必得赀财，灵巧的未必得喜悦。所临到众人的，是在乎当时的机会。
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
9:12 原来人也不知道自己的定期。鱼被恶网圈住，鸟被网罗捉住，祸患忽然临到的时候，世人陷在其中，也是如此。
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
9:13 我见日光之下有一样智慧，据我看乃是广大，
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
9:14 就是有一小城，其中的人数稀少，有大君王来攻击，修筑营垒，将城围困。
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
9:15 城中有一个贫穷的智慧人，他用智慧救了那城，却没有人记念那穷人。
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
9:16 我就说，智慧胜过勇力。然而那贫穷人的智慧，被人藐视，他的话也无人听从。
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
9:17 宁可在安静之中听智慧人的言语，不听掌管愚昧人的喊声。
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
9:18 智慧胜过打仗的兵器。但一个罪人，能败坏许多善事。
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 10 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
10:1 死苍蝇，使作香的膏油发出臭气。这样，一点愚昧，也能败坏智慧和尊荣。
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
10:2 智慧人的心居右。愚昧人的心居左。
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
10:3 并且愚昧人行路，显出无知。对众人说，他是愚昧人。
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
10:4 掌权者的心，若向你发怒，不要离开你的本位，因为柔和能免大过。
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
10:5 我见日光之下，有一件祸患，似乎出于掌权的错误，
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
10:6 就是愚昧人立在高位。富足人坐在低位。
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
10:7 我见过仆人骑马，王子像仆人在地上步行。
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
10:8 挖陷坑的，自己必掉在其中。拆墙垣的，必被蛇所咬。
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
10:9 凿开（或作挪移）石头的，必受损伤。擘开木头的，必遭危险。
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
10:10 铁器钝了，若不将刃磨快，就必多费气力。但得智慧指教，便有益处。
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
10:11 未行法术以先，蛇若咬人，后行法术也是无益。
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
10:12 智慧人的口，说出恩言。愚昧人的嘴，吞灭自己。
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
10:13 他口中的言语，起头是愚昧。他话的末尾，是奸恶的狂妄。
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
10:14 愚昧人多有言语，人却不知将来有什么事。他身后的事，谁能告诉他呢。
A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
10:15 凡愚昧人，他的劳碌使自己困乏。因为连进城的路他也不知道。
The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
10:16 邦国阿，你的王若是孩童，你的群臣早晨宴乐，你就有祸了。
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
10:17 邦国阿，你的王若是贵胄之子，你的群臣按时吃喝，为要捕力，不为酒醉，你就有福了。
Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
10:18 因人懒惰，房顶塌下。因人手懒，房屋滴漏。
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
10:19 设摆筵席，是为喜笑。酒能使人快活，钱能叫万事应心。
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
10:20 你不可咒诅君王，也不可心怀此念。在你卧房也不可咒诅富户。因为空中的鸟，必传扬这声音。有翅膀的，也必述说这事。
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 11 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
11:1 当将你的粮食撒在水面，因为日久必能得着。
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
11:2 你要分给七人，或分给八人，因为你不知道将来有什么灾祸临到地上。
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
11:3 云若满了雨，就必倾倒在地上。树若向南倒，或向北倒，树倒在何处，就存在何处。
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
11:4 看风的必不撒种。望云的必不收割。
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
11:5 风从何道来，骨头在怀孕妇人的胎中如何长成，你尚且不得知道，这样，行万事之神的作为，你更不得知道。
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
11:6 早晨要撒你的种，晚上也不歇你的手，因为你不知那一样发旺，或是早撒的，或是晚撒的，或是两样都好。
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
11:7 光本是佳美的，眼见日光也是可悦的。
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
11:8 人活多年，就当快乐多年。然而也当想到黑暗的日子，因为这日子必多，所要来的都是虚空。
But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.
11:9 少年人哪，你在幼年时当快乐。在幼年的日子，使你的心欢畅，行你心所愿行的，看你眼所爱看的，却要知道，为这一切的事，神必审问你。
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
11:10 所以你当从心中除掉愁烦。从肉体克去邪恶。因为一生的开端，和幼年之时，都是虚空的。
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
旧约 -- 传道书(Ecclesiastes) -- 第 12 章 ( 本篇共有 12 章 )
12:1 你趁着年幼，衰败的日子尚未来到，就是你所说，我毫无喜乐的那些年日未曾临近之先，当记念造你的主。
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
12:2 不要等到日头，光明，月亮，星宿，变为黑暗，雨后云彩反回，
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
12:3 看守房屋的发颤，有力的屈身，推磨的稀少就止息，从窗户往外看的都昏暗，
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,
12:4 街门关闭，推磨的响声微小，雀鸟一叫，人就起来，唱歌的女子，也都衰微，
And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;
12:5 人怕高处，路上有惊慌，杏树开花，蚱蜢成为重担，人所愿的也都废掉，因为人归他永远的家，吊丧的在街上往来，
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
12:6 银链折断，金罐破裂，瓶子在泉旁损坏，水轮在井口破烂，
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
12:7 尘土仍归于地，灵仍归于赐灵的神。
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
12:8 传道者说，虚空的虚空，凡事都是虚空。
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
12:9 在者，传道者因为有智慧，仍将知识教训众人。又默想，又考查，又陈说许多箴言。
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
12:10 传道者专心寻求可喜悦的言语，是凭正直写的诚实话。
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
12:11 智慧人的言语，好像刺棍。会中之师的言语，又像钉稳的钉子。都是一个牧者所赐的。
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12:12 我儿，还有一层，你当受劝戒。着书多，没有穷尽。读书多，身体疲倦。
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
12:13 这些事都已听见了。总意就是敬畏神，谨守他的诫命，这是人所当尽的本分。（或作这是众人的本分）
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
12:14 因为人所作的事，连一切隐藏的事，无论是善是恶，神都必审问。
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.