12. I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
15. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
16. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17. And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.
18. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.