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11 The words of the wise are like cattle goads; the collections of the sages are like pricks inflicted by one shepherd.[a] 12 My son, be careful about anything beyond these things.[b] For the writing of books is endless, and too much study is wearisome.[c]

13 Now that all has been heard, here is the final conclusion:
    Fear God and obey his commandments,
        for this is the whole duty of man.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or “The owner of collections are given by one shepherd”
  2. Ecclesiastes 12:12 Literally “but from more than them”
  3. Ecclesiastes 12:12 Literally “increases weariness of flesh”

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