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Ecclesiastes
Qoheleth's meditation on the vanity of human striving
A skeptical wisdom book attributed to Qoheleth (the Preacher). It interrogates the meaning of toil, pleasure, wisdom, and wealth, concluding that all is hevel — vapor, breath, vanity — and counseling acceptance of what the day brings.
1
在耶路撒冷作王、大衞的兒子、傳道者的言語。
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2
傳道者說、虛空的虛空、虛空的虛空．凡事都是虛空。
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.
3
人一切的勞碌、就是他在日光之下的勞碌、有甚麼益處呢。
What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?
4
一代過去、一代又來．地卻永遠長存。
One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.
5
日頭出來、日頭落下、急歸所出之地。
The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to its place where it ariseth.
6
風往南颳、又向北轉、不住的旋轉、而且返回轉行原道。
The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits.
7
江河都往海裏流、海卻不滿．江河從何處流、仍歸還何處．
All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place whither the rivers go, thither they go again.
8
萬事令人厭煩〈或作萬物滿有困乏〉人不能說盡．眼看、看不飽、耳聽、聽不足。
All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9
已有的事、後必再有．已行的事、後必再行．日光之下並無新事。
That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10
豈有一件事人能指着說、這是新的．那知、在我們以前的世代、早已有了。
Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us.
11
已過的世代、無人記念、將來的世代、後來的人也不記念。
There is no remembrance of the former [generations]; neither shall there be any remembrance of the latter [generations] that are to come, among those that shall come after.
12
我傳道者在耶路撒冷作過以色列的王。
I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13
我專心用智慧尋求查究天下所作的一切事、乃知 神叫世人所經練的、是極重的勞苦。
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
14
我見日光之下所作的一切事、都是虛空、都是捕風。
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
15
彎曲的不能變直．缺少的不能足數。
That which is crooked cannot be made straight; and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
16
我心裏議論、說、我得了大智慧、勝過我以前在耶路撒冷的衆人．而且我心中多經歷智慧、和知識的事。
I communed with mine own hear, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17
我又專心察明智慧、狂妄、和愚昧．乃知這也是捕風。
And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.
18
因爲多有智慧、就多有愁煩．加增知識的、就加增憂傷。
For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
1
我心裏說、來罷、我以喜樂試試你、你好享福．誰知、這也是虛空。
I said in my heart, Come now, I will prove thee with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also was vanity.
2
我指嬉笑說、這是狂妄．論喜樂說、有何功效呢。
I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it?
3
我心裏察究、如何用酒使我肉體舒暢、我心卻仍以智慧引導我．又如何持住愚昧、等我看明世人、在天下一生當行何事爲美。
I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding [me] with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.
4
我爲自己動大工程、建造房屋、栽種葡萄園、
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;
5
修造園囿、在其中栽種各樣果木樹、
I made me gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit;
6
挖造水池、用以澆灌嫩小的樹木．
I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared;
7
我買了僕婢、也有生在家中的僕婢．又有許多牛羣羊羣、勝過以前在耶路撒冷衆人所有的．
I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;
8
我又爲自己積蓄金銀、和君王的財寶、並各省的財寶．又得唱歌的男女、和世人所喜愛的物、並許多的妃嬪。
I gathered me also silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces; I gat me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
9
這樣、我就日見昌盛、勝過以前在耶路撒冷的衆人．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.
10
凡我眼所求的、我沒有留下不給他的．我心所樂的、我沒有禁止不享受的．因我的心爲我一切所勞碌的快樂．這就是我從勞碌中所得的分。
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor; and this was my portion from all my labor.
11
後來我察看我手所經營的一切事、和我勞碌所成的功．誰知都是虛空、都是捕風、在日光之下毫無益處。
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
12
我轉念觀看智慧、狂妄、和愚昧．在王以後而來的人、還能作甚麼呢．也不過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 done long ago.
13
我便看出智慧勝過愚昧、如同光明勝過黑暗。
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
14
智慧人的眼目光明、〈光明原文作在他頭上〉、愚昧人在黑暗裏行．我卻看明有一件事、這兩等人都必遇見。
The wise man`s eyes are in his head, and the fool walketh in darkness: and yet I perceived that one event happeneth to them all.
15
我就心裏說、愚昧人所遇見的、我也必遇見．我爲何更有智慧呢．我心裏說、這也是虛空。
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then said I in my heart, that this also is vanity.
16
智慧人、和愚昧人一樣、永遠無人記念．因爲日後都被忘記．可歎智慧人死亡、與愚昧人無異。
For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. And how doth the wise man die even as the fool!
17
我所以恨惡生命、因爲在日光之下所行的事我都以爲煩惱．都是虛空、都是捕風。
So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind.
18
我恨惡一切的勞碌、就是我在日光之下的勞碌、因爲我得來的必留給我以後的人。
And I hated all my labor wherein I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
19
那人是智慧、是愚昧、誰能知道．他竟要管理我勞碌所得的、就是我在日光之下用智慧所得的．這也是虛空。
And who knoweth whether he will be a wise man or a fool? yet will he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.
20
故此、我轉想我在日光之下所勞碌的一切工作、心便絕望。
Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor wherein I had labored under the sun.
21
因爲有人用智慧知識靈巧所勞碌得來的、卻要留給未曾勞碌的人爲分．這也是虛空、也是大患。
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skilfulness; yet to a man that hath not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
22
人在日光之下勞碌累心、在他一切的勞碌上得着甚麼呢。
For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun?
23
因爲他日日憂慮他的勞苦成爲愁煩．連夜間心也不安．這也是虛空。
For all his days are [but] sorrows, and his travail is grief; yea, even in the night his heart taketh no rest. This also is vanity.
24
人莫強如喫喝、且在勞碌中享福．我看這也是出於 神的手。
There is nothing better for a man [than] that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.
25
論到喫用、享福、誰能勝過我呢。
For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?
26
神喜悅誰、就給誰智慧、知識、和喜樂．惟有罪人、 神使他勞苦、叫他將所收聚的、所堆積的、歸給 神所喜悅的人．這也是虛空、也是捕風。
For to the man that pleaseth him [God] giveth 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 pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
1
凡事都有定期、天下萬務都有定時．
For everything there is a season, and a time for very purpose under heaven:
2
生有時、死有時．栽種有時、拔出所栽種的、也有時．
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
殺戮有時、醫治有時．拆毀有時、建造有時．
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4
哭有時、笑有時．哀慟有時、跳舞有時．
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5
拋擲石頭有時、堆聚石頭有時．懷抱有時、不懷抱有時．
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6
尋找有時、失落有時．保守有時、捨棄有時．
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7
撕裂有時、縫補有時．靜默有時、言語有時．
a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8
喜愛有時、恨惡有時．爭戰有時、和好有時。
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
9
這樣看來、作事的人在他的勞碌上有甚麼益處呢。
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?
10
我見 神叫世人勞苦、使他們在其中受經練。
I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
11
神造萬物、各按其時成爲美好．又將永生安置在世人心裏．〈永生原文作永遠〉然而 神從始至終的作爲、人不能參透。
He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end.
12
我知道世人、莫強如終身喜樂行善。
I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
13
並且人人喫喝、在他一切勞碌中享福．這也是 神的恩賜。
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
14
我知道 神一切所作的、都必永存、無所增添、無所減少． 神這樣行、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 anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him.
15
現今的事早先就有了．將來的事早已也有了．並且 神使已過的事重新再來．〈或作並且 神再尋回已過的事〉
That which is hath been long ago; and that which is to be hath long ago been: and God seeketh again that which is passed away.
16
我又見日光之下、在審判之處有奸惡．在公義之處也有奸惡。
And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.
17
我心裏說、 神必審判義人和惡人．因爲在那裏、各樣事務、一切工作、都有定時。
I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18
我心裏說、這乃爲世人的緣故、是 神要試驗他們、使他們覺得自己不過像獸一樣。
I said in my heart, [It is] because of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are [but as] beasts.
19
因爲世人遭遇的、獸也遭遇．所遭遇的都是一樣．這個怎樣死、那個也怎樣死、氣息都是一樣．人不能強於獸．都是虛空。
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; and man hath no preeminence above the beasts: for all is vanity.
20
都歸一處．都是出於塵土、也都歸於塵土。
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21
誰知道人的靈是往上昇、獸的魂是下入地呢。
Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goeth downward to the earth?
22
故此、我見人、莫強如在他經營的事上喜樂．因爲這是他的分．他身後的事、誰能使他回來得見呢。
Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him [back] to see what shall be after him?
1
我又轉念、見日光之下所行的一切欺壓．看哪、受欺壓的流淚、且無人安慰．欺壓他們的有勢力、也無人安慰他們。
Then I returned and saw 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.
2
因此我讚歎那早已死的死人、勝過那還活着的活人．
Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;
3
並且我以爲那未曾生的、就是未見過日光之下惡事的、比這兩等人更強。
yea, better than them both [did I esteem] him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4
我又見人爲一切的勞碌、和各樣靈巧的工作、就被鄰舍嫉妒．這也是虛空、也是捕風。
Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5
愚昧人抱着手、喫自己的肉。
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6
滿了一把、得享安靜、強如滿了兩把、勞碌捕風。
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.
7
我又轉念、見日光之下有一件虛空的事。
Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
8
有人孤單無二、無子無兄、竟勞碌不息、眼目也不以錢財爲足．他說我勞勞碌碌、刻苦自己、不享福樂、到底是爲誰呢．這也是虛空、是極重的勞苦。
There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, [saith he], do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
9
兩個人總比一個人好、因爲二人勞碌同得美好的果效。
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
10
若是跌倒、這人可以扶起他的同伴．若是孤身跌倒、沒有別人扶起他來、這人就有禍了。
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.
11
再者、二人同睡、就都煖和．一人獨睡、怎能煖和呢。
Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm [alone]?
12
有人攻勝孤身一人、若有二人便能敵擋他．三股合成的繩子、不容易折斷。
And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13
貧窮而有智慧的少年人、勝過年老不肯納諫的愚昧王。
Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.
14
這人是從監牢中出來作王．在他國中、生來原是貧窮的。
For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.
15
我見日光之下一切行動的活人、都隨從那第二位、就是起來代替老王的少年人。
I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.
16
他所治理的衆人、就是他的百姓、多得無數．在他後來的人、尚且不喜悅他．這眞是虛空、也是捕風。
There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
1
你到 神的殿、要謹愼腳步．因爲近前聽、勝過愚昧人獻祭、〈或作勝過獻愚昧人的祭〉、他們本不知道所作的是惡。
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God; for to draw nigh to hear is better than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do evil.
2
你在 神面前不可冒失開口、也不可心急發言．因爲 神在天上、你在地下、所以你的言語要寡少。
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
3
事務多、就令人作夢、言語多、就顯出愚昧。
For a dream cometh with a multitude of business, and a fool`s voice with a multitude of words.
4
你向 神許願、償還不可遲延．因他不喜悅愚昧人．所以你許的願應當償還。
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.
5
你許願不還、不如不許。
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
6
不可任你的口使肉體犯罪．也不可在祭司〈原文作使者〉面前說是錯許了．爲何使 神因你的聲音發怒、敗壞你手所作的呢。
Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that is was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?
7
多夢和多言、其中多有虛幻．你只要敬畏 神。
For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.
8
你若在一省之中見窮人受欺壓、並奪去公義公平的事、不要因此詫異．因有一位高過居高位的鑒察．在他們以上還有更高的。
If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a province, marvel not at the matter: for one higher than the high regardeth; and there are higher than they.
9
況且地的益處歸衆人．就是君王也受田地的供應。
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king [himself] is served by the field.
10
貪愛銀子的、不因得銀子知足．貪愛豐富的、也不因得利益知足．這也是虛空。
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.
11
貨物增添、喫的人也增添．物主得甚麼益處呢、不過眼看而已。
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what advantage is there to the owner thereof, save the beholding [of them] with his eyes?
12
勞碌的人、不拘喫多喫少、睡得香甜．富足人的豐滿、卻不容他睡覺。
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
13
我見日光之下、有一宗大禍患、就是財主積存貲財、反害自己．
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt:
14
因遭遇禍患、這些貲財就消滅．那人若生了兒子、手裏也一無所有。
and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.
15
他怎樣從母胎赤身而來、也必照樣赤身而去．他所勞碌得來的、手中分毫不能帶去。
As he came forth from his mother`s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
16
他來的情形怎樣、他去的情形也怎樣．這也是一宗大禍患．他爲風勞碌有甚麼益處呢。
And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?
17
並且他終身在黑暗中喫喝、多有煩惱、又有病患嘔氣。
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath.
18
我所見爲善爲美的、就是人在 神賜他一生的日子喫喝、享受日光之下勞碌得來的好處．因爲這是他的分。
Behold, that which I have seen to be good and to be comely is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, wherein he laboreth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him: for this is his portion.
19
神賜人貲財豐富、使他能以喫用、能取自己的分、在他勞碌中喜樂．這乃是 神的恩賜。
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 labor-this is the gift of God.
20
他不多思念自己一生的年日．因爲 神應他的心使他喜樂。
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart.
1
我見日光之下有一宗禍患、重壓在人身上．
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy upon men:
2
就是人蒙 神賜他貲財、豐富、尊榮、以致他心裏所願的一樣都不缺、只是 神使他不能喫用、反有外人來喫用．這是虛空、也是禍患。
a man to whom God giveth riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacketh nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but an alien eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
3
人若生一百個兒子、活許多歲數、以致他的年日甚多、心裏卻不得滿享福樂、又不得埋葬．據我說、那不到期而落的胎比他倒好．
If a man beget a hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul be not filled with good, and moreover he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he:
4
因爲虛虛而來、暗暗而去、名字被黑暗遮蔽．
for it cometh in vanity, and departeth in darkness, and the name thereof is covered with darkness;
5
並且沒有見過天日、也毫無知覺．這胎、比那人倒享安息。
moreover it hath not seen the sun nor known it; this hath rest rather than the other:
6
那人雖然活千年、再活千年、卻不享福、衆人豈不都歸一個地方去麼。
yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet enjoy no good, do not all go to one place?
7
人的勞碌都爲口腹、心裏卻不知足。
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
8
這樣看來、智慧人比愚昧人有甚麼長處呢．窮人在衆人面前知道如何行、有甚麼長處呢。
For what advantage hath the wise more than the fool? [or] what hath the poor man, that knoweth how to walk before the living?
9
眼睛所看的、比心裏妄想的倒好．這也是虛空、也是捕風。
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
10
先前所有的、早已起了名．並知道何爲人．他也不能與那比自己力大的相爭。
Whatsoever hath been, the name thereof was given long ago; and it is know what man is; neither can he contend with him that is mightier than he.
11
加增虛浮的事旣多、這與人有甚麼益處呢。
Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
12
人一生虛度的日子、就如影兒經過．誰知道甚麼與他有益呢．誰能告訴他身後在日光之下有甚麼事呢。
For who knoweth what is good for man in [his] 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?
1
名譽強如美好的膏油．人死的日子、勝過人生的日子。
A [good] name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one`s birth.
2
往遭喪的家去、強如往宴樂的家去、因爲死是衆人的結局．活人也必將這事放在心上。
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.
3
憂愁強如喜笑、因爲面帶愁容終必使心喜樂。
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
4
智慧人的心、在遭喪之家．愚昧人的心、在快樂之家。
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5
聽智慧人的責備、強如聽愚昧人的歌唱。
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6
愚昧人的笑聲、好像鍋下燒荊棘的爆聲、這也是虛空。
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
7
勒索使智慧人變爲愚妄．賄賂能敗壞人的慧心。
Surely extortion maketh the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroyeth the understanding.
8
事情的終局、強如事情的起頭．存心忍耐的、勝過居心驕傲的。
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; [and] the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9
你不要心裏急躁惱怒、因爲惱怒存在愚昧人的懷中。
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
10
不要說、先前的日子強過如今的日子、是甚麼緣故呢．你這樣問、不是出於智慧。
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
11
智慧和產業並好．而且見天日的人、得智慧更爲有益。
Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.
12
因爲智慧護庇人、好像銀錢護庇人一樣．惟獨智慧能保全智慧人的生命、這就是知識的益處。
For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.
13
你要察看 神的作爲、因 神使爲曲的、誰能變爲直呢。
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14
遇亨通的日子、你當喜樂．遭患難的日子、你當思想．因爲 神使這兩樣並列、爲的是叫人查不出身後有甚麼事。
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yea, God hath made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything [that shall be] after him.
15
有義人行義、反致滅亡．有惡人行惡、倒享長壽．這都是我在虛度之日中所見過的。
All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth [his life] in his evil-doing.
16
不要行義過分．也不要過於自逞智慧．何必自取敗亡呢。
Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
17
不要行惡過分．也不要爲人愚昧．何必不到期而死呢。
Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18
你持守這個爲美．那個也不要鬆手．因爲敬畏 神的人、必從這兩樣出來。
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth from them all.
19
智慧使有智慧的人、比城中十個官長更有能力。
Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city.
20
時常行善而不犯罪的義人、世上實在沒有。
Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
21
人所說的一切話、你不要放在心上、恐怕聽見你的僕人咒詛你。
Also take not heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee;
22
因爲你心裏知道、自己也曾屢次咒詛別人。
for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
23
我曾用智慧試驗這一切事．我說、要得智慧、智慧卻離我遠。
All this have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24
萬事之理、離我甚遠、而且最深、誰能測透呢。
That which is, is far off and exceeding deep; who can find it out?
25
我轉念、一心要知道、要考察、要尋求智慧、和萬事的理由．又要知道邪惡爲愚昧、愚昧爲狂妄。
I turned about, and my heart [was set] to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason [of things], and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness.
26
我得知有等婦人、比死還苦、他的心是網羅、手是鎖鍊．凡蒙 神喜悅的人、必能躱避他．有罪的人、卻被他纏住了。
And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, [and] whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
27
傳道者說、看哪、一千男子中、我找到一個正直人．但衆女子中、沒有找到一個．我將這事一一比較、要尋求其理、我心仍要尋找、卻未曾找到。
Behold, this have I found, saith the Preacher, [laying] one thing to another, to find out the account;
28
傳道者說、看哪、一千男子中、我找到一個正直人．但衆女子中、沒有找到一個．我將這事一一比較、要尋求其理、我心仍要尋找、卻未曾找到。
which my soul still seeketh, but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
29
我所找到的、只有一件、就是 神造人原是正直、但他們尋出許多巧計。
Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
1
誰如智慧人呢．誰知道事情的解釋呢．人的智慧使他的臉發光、並使他臉上的暴氣改變。
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 hardness of his face is changed.
2
我勸你遵守王的命令．旣指 神起誓、理當如此。
I [counsel thee], Keep the king`s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.
3
不要急躁離開王的面前．不要固執行惡．因爲他凡事都隨自己的心意而行。
Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
4
王的話本有權力、誰敢問他說、你作甚麼呢。
For the king`s word [hath] power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
5
凡遵守命令的、必不經歷禍患．智慧人的心、能辨明時候和定理。〈原文作審判下節同〉
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man`s heart discerneth time and judgment:
6
各樣事務成就、都有時候和定理．因爲人的苦難、重壓在他身上。
for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:
7
他不知道將來的事、因爲將來如何、誰能告訴他呢。
for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?
8
無人有權力掌管生命、將生命留住．也無人有權力掌管死期．這塲爭戰、無人能免．邪惡也不能救那好行邪惡的人。
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in war: neither shall wickedness deliver him that is given to it.
9
這一切我都見過．也專心查考日光之下所作的一切事．有時這人管轄那人、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 hath power over another to his hurt.
10
我見惡人埋葬、歸入墳墓．又見行正直事的、離開聖地、在城中被人忘記．這也是虛空。
So I saw the wicked buried, and they came [to the grave]; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: this also is vanity.
11
因爲斷定罪名、不立刻施刑、所以世人滿心作惡。
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.
12
罪人雖然作惡百次、倒享長久的年日．然而我準知道、敬畏 神的、就是在他面前敬畏的人、終久必得福樂。
Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and prolong his [days], yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him:
13
惡人卻不得福樂、也不得長久的年日．這年日好像影兒、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.
14
世上有一件虛空的事、就是義人所遭遇的、反照惡人所行的．又有惡人所遭遇的、反照義人所行的．我說、這也是虛空。
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth, that there are righteous men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
15
我就稱讚快樂、原來人在日光之下、莫強如喫喝快樂．因爲他在日光之下、 神賜他一生的年日、要從勞碌中、時常享受所得的。
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that shall abide with him in his labor [all] the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.
16
我專心求智慧、要看世上所作的事．（有晝夜不睡覺、不合眼的）
When I applied my 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),
17
我就看明 神一切的作爲．知道人查不出日光之下所作的事．任憑他費多少力尋查、都查不出來．就是智慧人雖想知道、也是查不出來。
then I beheld all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because however much a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea moreover, though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
1
我將這一切事放在心上、詳細考究、就知道義人和智慧人、並他們的作爲、都在 神手中．或是愛、或是恨、都在他們的前面、人不能知道。
For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it be love or hatred, man knoweth it not; all is before them.
2
凡臨到衆人的事、都是一樣．義人和惡人、都遭遇一樣的事．好人、潔淨人和不潔淨人、獻祭的與不獻祭的、也是一樣．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.
3
在日光之下所行的一切事上、有一件禍患、就是衆人所遭遇的、都是一樣．並且世人的心、充滿了惡．活着的時候心裏狂妄、後來就歸死人那裏去了。
This is an evil in all that is 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.
4
與一切活人相連的、那人還有指望．因爲活着的狗、比死了的獅子更強。
For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
5
活着的人、知道必死．死了的人、毫無所知．也不再得賞賜、他們的名無人記念．
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
6
他們的愛、他們的恨、他們的嫉妒、早都消滅了．在日光之下所行的一切事上、他們永不再有分了。
As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, is perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.
7
你只管去歡歡喜喜喫你的飯．心中快樂喝你的酒．因爲 神已經悅納你的作爲。
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.
8
你的衣服當時常潔白．你頭上也不要缺少膏油。
Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.
9
在你一生虛空的年日、就是 神賜你在日光之下虛空的年日、當同你所愛的妻、快活度日．因爲那是你生前、在日光之下勞碌的事上所得的分。
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life of vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all thy days of vanity: for that is thy portion in life, and in thy labor wherein thou laborest under the sun.
10
凡你手所當作的事、要盡力去作．因爲在你所必去的陰間、沒有工作、沒有謀算、沒有知識、也沒有智慧。
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.
11
我又轉念、見日光之下、快跑的未必能贏、力戰的未必得勝、智慧的未必得糧食、明哲的未必得貲財、靈巧的未必得喜悅．所臨到衆人的、是在乎當時的機會。
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 favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
12
原來人也不知道自己的定期．魚被惡網圈住、鳥被網羅捉住、禍患忽然臨到的時候、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, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
13
我見日光之下有一樣智慧、據我看乃是廣大、
I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:
14
就是有一小城、其中的人數稀少、有大君王來攻擊、修築營壘、將城圍困．
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.
15
城中有一個貧窮的智慧人、他用智慧救了那城、卻沒有人記念那窮人．
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.
16
我就說、智慧勝過勇力．然而那貧窮人的智慧、被人藐視、他的話也無人聽從。
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man`s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
17
寧可在安靜之中聽智慧人的言語、不聽掌管愚昧人的喊聲。
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
18
智慧勝過打仗的兵器．但一個罪人、能敗壞許多善事。
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.
1
死蒼蠅、使作香的膏油發出臭氣．這樣、一點愚昧、也能敗壞智慧和尊榮。
Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; [so] doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
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.
3
並且愚昧人行路、顯出無知．對衆人說、他是愚昧人。
Yea also, when the fool walketh by the way, his understanding faileth him, and he saith to every one [that] he is a fool.
4
掌權者的心、若向你發怒、不要離開你的本位、因爲柔和能免大過。
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.
5
我見日光之下、有一件禍患、似乎出於掌權的錯誤、
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
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 a low place.
7
我見過僕人騎馬、王子像僕人在地上步行。
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking like servants upon the earth.
8
挖陷坑的、自己必掉在其中．拆牆垣的、必爲蛇所咬。
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh through a wall, a serpent shall bite him.
9
鑿開〈或作挪移〉石頭的、必受損傷．劈開木頭的、必遭危險。
Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.
10
鐵器鈍了、若不將刃磨快、就必多費氣力．但得智慧指教、便有益處。
If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
11
未行法術以先、蛇若咬人、後行法術也是無益。
If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
12
智慧人的口、說出恩言．愚昧人的嘴、吞滅自己。
The words of a wise man`s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
13
他口中的言語、起頭是愚昧．他話的末尾、是奸惡的狂妄。
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14
愚昧人多有言語、人卻不知將來有甚麼事．他身後的事、誰能告訴他呢。
A fool also multiplieth words: [yet] man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?
15
凡愚昧人、他的勞碌使自己困乏．因爲連進城的路他也不知道。
The labor of fools wearieth every one of them; for he knoweth not how to go to the city.
16
邦國阿、你的王若是孩童、你的羣臣早晨宴樂、你就有禍了。
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
17
邦國阿、你的王若是貴胄之子、你的羣臣按時喫喝、爲要補力、不爲酒醉、你就有福了。
Happy 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!
18
因人懶惰、房頂塌下．因人手懶、房屋滴漏。
By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.
19
設擺筵席、是爲喜笑．酒能使人快活、錢能叫萬事應心。
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh glad the life; and money answereth all things.
20
你不可咒詛君王、也不可心懷此念．在你臥房也不可咒詛富戶．因爲空中的鳥、必傳揚這聲音．有翅膀的、也必述說這事。
Revile not the king, no, not in thy thought; and revile not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
1
當將你的糧食撒在水面、因爲日久必能得着。
Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.
2
你要分給七人、或分給八人、因爲你不知道將來有甚麼災禍臨到地上。
Give a portion to seven, yea, even unto eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
3
雲若滿了雨、就必傾倒在地上．樹若向南倒、或向北倒、樹倒在何處、就存在何處。
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there shall it be.
4
看風的必不撒種．望雲的必不收割。
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
5
風從何道來、骨頭在懷孕婦人的胎中如何長成、你尚且不得知道、這樣、行萬事之 神的作爲、你更不得知道。
As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all.
6
早晨要撒你的種、晚上也不要歇你的手、因爲你不知道那一樣發旺、或是早撒的、或是晚撒的、或是兩樣都好。
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
7
光本是佳美的、眼見日光也是可悅的。
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.
8
人活多年、就當快樂多年．然而也當想到黑暗的日子、因爲這日子必多、所要來的都是虛空。
Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.
9
少年人哪、你在幼年時當快樂．在幼年的日子、使你的心歡暢、行你心所願行的、看你眼所愛看的、卻要知道、爲這一切的事、 神必審問你。
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 thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
10
所以你當從心中除掉愁煩．從肉體克去邪惡．因爲一生的開端、和幼年之時、都是虛空的。
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
1
你趁着年幼、衰敗的日子尚未來到、就是你所說、我毫無喜樂的那些年日未曾臨近之先、當記念造你的主．
Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2
不要等到日頭、光明、月亮、星宿、變爲黑暗、雨後雲彩反回、
before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;
3
看守房屋的發顫、有力的屈身、推磨的稀少就止息、從窗戶往外看的都昏暗、
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 shall be darkened,
4
街門關閉、推磨的響聲微小、雀鳥一叫、人就起來、唱歌的女子、也都衰微、
and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
5
人怕高處、路上有驚慌、杏樹開花、蚱蜢成爲重擔、人所願的也都廢掉、因爲人歸他永遠的家、弔喪的在街上往來、
yea, they shall be afraid of [that which is] high, and terrors [shall be] in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6
銀鍊折斷、金罐破裂、瓶子在泉旁損壞、水輪在井口破爛、
before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
7
塵土仍歸於地、靈仍歸於賜靈的 神。
and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.
8
傳道者說、虛空的虛空、凡事都是虛空。
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.
9
再者、傳道者因有智慧、仍將知識教訓衆人．又默想、又考查、又陳說許多箴言。
And further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he pondered, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.
10
傳道者專心尋求可喜悅的言語、是憑正直寫的誠實話。
The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written uprightly, [even] words of truth.
11
智慧人的言語、好像刺棍．會中之師的言語、又像釘穩的釘子．都是一個牧者所賜的。
The words of the wise are as goads; and as nails well fastened are [the words of] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd.
12
我兒、還有一層、你當受勸戒．着書多、沒有窮盡．讀書多、身體疲倦。
And furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13
這些事都已聽見了．總意就是敬畏 神、謹守他的誡命、這是人所當盡的本分。〈或作這是衆人的本分〉
[This is] the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole [duty] of man.
14
因爲人所作的事、連一切隱藏的事、無論是善是惡、 神都必審問。
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.