5 and they are afraid of heights and the dangers in the street; the almond blossoms grow white, and the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry shrivels up—because man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about in the streets— 6 before the silver cord is removed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the well, or the water wheel is broken at the cistern— 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life’s breath returns to God who gave it. 8 “Absolutely futile!” laments the Teacher, “All these things are futile!” 9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught knowledge to the people; he carefully evaluated and arranged many proverbs.

21 Do not forget, there is no coming back; you do the dead no good, and you injure yourself. 22 Remember his fate, for yours is like it; yesterday it was his, and today it is yours. 23 When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest too, and be comforted for him when his spirit has departed. 24 The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure; only the one who has little business can become wise. 25 How can one become wise who handles the plow, and who glories in the shaft of a goad, who drives oxen and is occupied with their work, and whose talk is about bulls?