7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God. 8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. 9 The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
Ecclesiastes 5:7–9
Semantically similar passages
Ecclesiastes 10:4–6
4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. 5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler: 6 Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly posit…
Ecclesiastes 6:10–12
10 Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. 11 For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone? 12 For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which…
Proverbs 13:22–24
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. 23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away. 24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him d…
Proverbs 29:3–5
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Ecclesiastes 8:3–5
3 Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. 4 For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the…
Proverbs 22:6–8
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. 8 He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
Ecclesiastes 10:13–15
13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15 The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
Ecclesiastes 6:1–2
1 There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: 2 God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is f…
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