8 “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.”m

THE TEACHER’S OBJECTIVES AND CONCLUSION

9 In addition to the Teacher being a wise man, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs.n 10 The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately. 11 The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods,o and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails.p The sayings are given by one Shepherd.D

12 But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books,q and much study wearies the body.r 13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear Gods and keep his commands, because this is for allE humanity.t 14 For God will bring every act to judgment,u including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.