And my heart knew much- wisdom, knowledge, parables and understanding: I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

I and my heart went round about to know, and to examine, and to seek wisdom, and the account [of things], and to know the folly and trouble and madness of the ungodly man.

So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things in which man has power over man, to afflict him.

On this I set my heart to know wisdom, and to perceive the trouble that was done upon the earth; even though one sees no sleep day or night.

And I beheld all the works of God, that a man shall not be able to discover the work which is done under the sun. Whatever things a man shall endeavor to seek, however a man may labor to seek it, yet he shall not find it. Moreover, [though] a wise man may speak of knowing it, he shall not be able to find it; for I applied all this to my heart, and my heart has seen all this.

The works of the Lord are great, sought out according to all His will.

your ear shall hearken to wisdom; you shall also apply your heart to understanding, and shall apply it to the instruction of your son.

and if you shall seek it as silver, and search diligently for it as for treasures;

[This translation omits this verse.]

A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses, but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion, and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

Meditate on these things; be in these things, so that your progress may be evident to all.

I have seen all the trouble, which God has given to the sons of men to be burdened with.

And I saw all labor, and all the diligent work, that this is a man's envy from his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

And moreover, my son, guard yourself by means of them; of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

[ 3:20] In the sweat of your face shall you eat your bread until you return to the ground out of which you were taken, for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.