And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason [of things,] To know the wickedness of folly, Even of foolishness [and] madness.

All this I have seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: [There is] a time in which one man rules over another to his own hurt.

When I applied my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done on earth, even though one sees no sleep day or night,

then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover [it,] yet he will not find [it;] moreover, though a wise [man] attempts to know [it,] he will not be able to find [it.]

The works of the LORD [are] great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.

So that you incline your ear to wisdom, [And] apply your heart to understanding;

If you seek her as silver, And search for her as [for] hidden treasures;

Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [Therefore] get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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

Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied.

Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also [is] vanity and grasping for the wind.

And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books [there is] no end, and much study [is] wearisome to the flesh.

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you [are,] And to dust you shall return."