Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

New American Standard Bible 1995

Purpose of the Preacher

⁹ In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged ^(A)many proverbs. ¹⁰ The Preacher sought to find ^(B)delightful words and to write ^(C)words of truth correctly.

¹¹ The ^(D)words of wise men are like ^(E)goads, and masters of these collections are like ^[a]well-driven ^(F)nails; they are given by one Shepherd. ¹² But beyond this, my son, be warned: the ^[b]writing of ^(G)many books is endless, and excessive ^(H)devotion to books is wearying to the body.

¹³ The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: ^(I)fear God and ^(J)keep His commandments, because this applies to ^(K)every person. ¹⁴ For ^(L)God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.