5. Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street.
6. Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed;
7. then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
8. "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "all is vanity!"
9. In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.
10. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.
12. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
13. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
14. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.