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11 The (A)words of wise men are like (B)goads, and masters of these collections are like [a]well-driven (C)nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But in addition to this, my son, be warned: the making of (D)many books is endless, and much (E)devotion to books is wearying to the flesh.

13 The end of the matter, all that has been heard: (F)fear God and (G)keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for (H)all mankind.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Lit planted

11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails(A)—given by one shepherd.[a] 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.(B)

13 Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God(C) and keep his commandments,(D)
    for this is the duty of all mankind.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or Shepherd