It pays to work hard

1Be generous, and some day

you will be rewarded.11.1 Be generous…rewarded: Or “Don't be afraid to invest. Some day it will pay off.”

2Share what you have

with seven or eight others,

because you never know

when disaster may strike.

3Rain clouds always bring rain;

trees always stay

wherever they fall.

4If you worry about the weather

and don't plant seeds,

you won't harvest a crop.

5No one can explain how a baby breathes before it is born.11.5 how…born: Or “what makes the wind blow or how a baby grows inside its mother”. So how can anyone explain what God does? After all, he created everything.

6Plant your seeds early in the morning and keep working in the field until dark. Who knows? Your work might pay off, and your seeds might produce.

Respect and obey God

Youth and old age

7Nothing on earth is more beautiful than the morning sun. 8Even if you live to a ripe old age, you should try to enjoy each day, because darkness will come and will last a long time. Nothing makes sense.11.8 Nothing makes sense: Or “There's nothing to look forward to!”

9Be cheerful and enjoy life while you are young! Do what you want and find pleasure in what you see. But don't forget that God will judge you for everything you do.

10Rid yourself of all worry and pain, because the wonderful moments of youth quickly disappear.