1. The words of the Gatherer, the son of the Vomiter. The vision that the man spoke. God is with him, and he, being strengthened by God and abiding with him, said:
2. "I am the most foolish among men, and the wisdom of men is not with me.
3. I have not learned wisdom, and I have not known the knowledge of sanctity.
4. Who has ascended to heaven and also descended? Who has grasped the wind in his hands? Who has tied the waters together, as with a garment? Who has raised all the limits of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son, if you know?
5. Every word of God is fire-tested. He is a bronze shield to those who hope in him.
6. Do not add anything to his words, lest you be reproved and be discovered to be a liar.
7. Two things I have asked of you; do not deny them to me before I die.
8. Remove, far from me, vanity and lying words. Give me neither begging, nor wealth. Apportion to me only the necessities of my life,
9. lest perhaps, being filled, I might be enticed into denial, and say: 'Who is the Lord?' Or, being compelled by destitution, I might steal, and then perjure myself in the name of my God.
10. Do not accuse a servant to his lord, lest he curse you, and you fall.
11. There is a generation which curses their father, and which does not bless their mother.
12. There is a generation which seems pure to themselves, and yet they are not even washed from their filthiness.
13. There is a generation, whose eyes have been elevated, and their eyelids are lifted on high.
14. There is a generation which has swords in place of teeth, and which commands their molars to devour the indigent from the earth and the poor from among men.
15. The leech has two daughters, who say, 'Bring, bring.' Three things are insatiable, and a fourth never says 'Enough':