11. People don’t remember what happened long ago.In the future, people will not remember what happens now.And later, other people will not remember what was done before them.
12. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. I decided to use my wisdom. I wanted to learn about everything that happens here on earth. I learned that God has given us terrible things to face here on earth.
14. I looked at everything done here on earth. I saw that it is all a waste of time. It is like chasing the wind.
15. If something is crooked,you can’t make it straight.If something is missing,you can’t say it is there.
16. I said to myself, “I have become very wise. I am now wiser than anyone who ruled Jerusalem before me. I know what wisdom and knowledge really are.”
17. So I decided to find out how wisdom and knowledge are better than foolish thinking. But I learned that trying to become wise is also like chasing the wind.
18. With much wisdom comes much disappointment.The person who gains more knowledge also gains more sorrow.