[12:9] But because the Philosopher was wise, he kept on teaching the people what he knew. He studied proverbs and honestly tested their truth.
[12:10] The Philosopher tried to find comforting words, but the words he wrote were honest.
[12:11] The sayings of the wise are like the sharp sticks that shepherds use to guide sheep, and collected proverbs are as lasting as firmly driven nails. They have been given by God, the one Shepherd of us all.
[12:12] My child, there is something else to watch out for. There is no end to the writing of books, and too much study will wear you out.
[12:13] After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for.
[12:14] God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.