12. I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth.I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.
14. I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth,and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile – like chasing the wind!
15. What is bent cannot be straightened,and what is missing cannot be supplied.
16. I thought to myself,“I have become much wiser than any of my predecessors who ruled over Jerusalem; I have acquired much wisdom and knowledge.”
17. So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas;however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!
18. For with great wisdom comes great frustration;whoever increases his knowledge merely increases his heartache.