Read chapters 9 and 10. Life is precious, and God wants us to enjoy it (9:4, 7). Since we have no control of life’s outcome (9:11, 12), it is better to heed godly wisdom, even though most people do not appreciate it (9:17). Because of life’s uncertainties, we should guard our heart (10:2), exercise caution in all we do, and act with practical wisdom.​—10:8-10.

Lesson for Us: Since sudden death can befall any one of us (9:12), we should be using our life in Jehovah’s service in case our demise should bring everything to a halt (9:10). We also need to become skillful in our service because incompetence, even in such simple things as digging a hole or chopping wood, can be damaging to ourselves and others.​—10:8, 9.