Differences in Nature and in Humankind

7 Why is one day more important than another,

when all the daylight in the year is from the sun?

8 By the Lord’s wisdom they were distinguished,

and he appointed the different seasons and festivals.

9 Some days he exalted and hallowed,

and some he made ordinary days.

10 All human beings come from the ground,

and humankinda was created out of the dust.

11 In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them

and appointed their different ways.

12 Some he blessed and exalted,

and some he made holy and brought near to himself;

but some he cursed and brought low,

and turned them out of their place.

13 Like clay in the hand of the potter,

to be molded as he pleases,

so all are in the hand of their Maker,

to be given whatever he decides.

14 Good is the opposite of evil,

and life the opposite of death;

so the sinner is the opposite of the godly.

15 Look at all the works of the Most High;

they come in pairs, one the opposite of the other.

16 Now I was the last to keep vigil;

I was like a gleaner following the grape-pickers;

17 by the blessing of the Lord I arrived first,

and like a grape-picker I filled my wine press.

18 Consider that I have not labored for myself alone,

but for all who seek instruction.

19 Hear me, you who are great among the people,

and you leaders of the congregation, pay heed!