Ecclesiastes 7-12

7:1-14 — Transitional proverbs linking the first and second halves of Qohelet’s exploration1. These proverbs mark a shift from personal experience to Qohelet’s advice, communicating the value of wisdom1.

7:15-22 — Advice against extremes1

7:23-8:1 — Advice against foolishness1. Qohelet recognizes that his exploration has led him into the arms of Dame Folly2.

8:2-9 — Advice for proper courtly behavior1

8:10-9:10 — Advice about the righteous and the wicked, where a chiastic structure is discernible1

9:11-10:20 — Advice on proper response to life’s absurdity, containing seven counts of proper attitudes1

11:1-6 — Carpe diem advice1

11:7-12:7 — Advice on optimizing youth1. This section marks a true turning point in Qohelet’s journey2.

12:8-14 — Epilogue by the third-person narrator