Jo’s Place

​ Is it really all meaningless? I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun.  I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them.  The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.  So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living.  But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born.  For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun.  Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors.  But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.  “Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin.”  And yet,  “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”  I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun.  This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can.  But then he a...

Listen as Wisdom calls out!  Hear as understanding raises her voice!    …On the hilltop along the road,  …she takes her stand at the crossroads.  By the gates at the entrance to the town,  …on the road leading in, she cries aloud “I call to you, to all of you!  I raise my voice to all people.  You simple people, use good judgment…  You foolish people, show some understanding.  Listen to me!  For I have important things to tell you…  Everything I say is right…  for I speak the truth…  and detest every kind of deception.  My advice is wholesome.  There is nothing devious or crooked in it.  My words are plain to anyone with understanding  …clear to those with knowledge.  Choose my instruction rather than silver  …and knowledge rather than pure gold.  For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies…  Nothing you desire can compare with it.  “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgm...