During his life he spoke three thousand wise sayings and also wrote one thousand five songs.
He taught about many kinds of plants—everything from the great cedar trees of Lebanon to the weeds that grow out of the walls. He also taught about animals, birds, crawling things, and fish.
These are the wise words of Solomon: Wise children make their father happy, but foolish children make their mother sad.
These are more wise sayings of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah.
So be careful, my son, about other teachings. People are always writing books, and too much study will make you tired.
The Teacher was very wise and taught the people what he knew. He very carefully thought about, studied, and set in order many wise teachings.
This is as the prophet said: “I will speak using stories; I will tell things that have been secret since the world was made.”