38 The exhortation may be understood in two ways: (1) to avoid any so-called wisdom sayings beyond those mentioned in vv. 10–11: “The words of the wise … are given from one shepherd. And of anything beyond these, my son, be warned!” (see , , , , ). This is paraphrased well by : “My son, avoid anything beyond the scriptures of wisdom” (). (2) The exhortation refers to the concerns of v. 12b, namely, diligent study is wearisome, i.e., “Furthermore, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of books, and much study is wearisome to the body” (see , , , ).
39 The verb עָשָׂה (’asah, “to do”) may mean “to make” ( I עשׂה 3) or “to acquire” ( I עשׂה 6). The rendered it as ποιῆσαι (poiēsai, “making”), as do most English versions: “making” (, , , , , , , , ). However, several English versions reflect a different nuance: “there is no end to the buying of books” (); “the use of books is endless” (); and “the writing of many books is endless” ().
40 Heb “the flesh.” The term בָּשָׂר (basar, “flesh”) refers to the body, functioning as a synecdoche or part (i.e., flesh, skin) for the whole (i.e., body), e.g., Gen 17:13; Ps 16:9; Prov 14:30 (see E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, ).

In other versions

My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.

But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.

My son, be careful about anything beyond these things. For the writing of books is endless, and too much study is wearisome.

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Public Domain