12:9 Not only was the Teacher wise, 1
but he also taught knowledge to the people;
he carefully evaluated 2 and arranged 3 many proverbs.
12:10 The Teacher sought to find delightful 4 words,
and to write 5 accurately truthful sayings. 6
12:11 The words of the sages are like prods, 7
and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails;
they are given by one shepherd.
12:12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. 8
There is no end to the making 9 of many books,
and much study is exhausting to the body. 10
12:13 Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: 11
Fear God and keep his commandments,
because this is the whole duty 12 of man.
12:14 For God will evaluate every deed, 13
including every secret thing, whether good or evil.