Under the Sun

Hear the words of the Preacher, Vanity’s son,

Whose quest is for Wisdom under the sun.

I built up my houses, I planted my vines,

I counted the silver, I sought after signs

I looked at my labor, the sweat on the brow,

The vapors of morning, the push of the plow—

And what is the profit? A breath in the cold,

A handful of silver that your heart longs to hold

(Chorus) Hevel, hevel, vanity’s breath,

Chasing the wind from the cradle to death.

The sun keeps on rising, the rivers still run 

Nothing is new under this weary old sun

Under the heavens, under the sky,

Everything passes and then we must die. 

I tried out distractions, I drank of the wine,

I whispered: “Let pleasure be master and mine.”

I chased after wisdom, I studied the sage,

And found lament and sorrow is writ on the page.

The wise and the foolish go down to the dust,

Devoured by time and judged by the Just

The eye's nor fulfilled by the things of this earth

Where there’s no satisfaction and naught has true worth

(Chorus)

(Bridge)To everything turn, turn, turn,

A season for peace and a season to burn.

A time to be born and a time of decay,

A stone to be gathered, a stone cast away.

God put eternity deep in our hearts,

Though no one can measure the whole or the parts. 

Our efforts and status our health and our wealth

Are fleeting, elusive if sought in one's self

So eat of your bread with a gladness of soul,

Enjoy the sweet portion, drink deep of the bowl.

And hear the conclusion when all is been said:

Fear God and obey Him—Before we are dead.

Yes hear the conclusion when all is been said:

Fear God and obey Him—Before we are dead.

October 11, 2026

Anthony Foster