11. There is not a memory for the former things,and moreover, there will not bea memory for the things coming after,even those things that are yet to come.
12. I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. I set my heart to seek and to investigate with wisdom everything that is done under heaven. It is a burdensome task that God has given to the sons of men, by which they may be occupied.
14. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and like chasing the wind.
15. What is bent cannot be straightened,and what is missing cannot be counted.
16. I spoke in my heart, saying, “I have been great and increased in wisdom more than anyone else who has been before me in Jerusalem, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”
17. And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know the folly of ideas and to know foolish behavior, and I know that this as well is like chasing the wind.