"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all [is] vanity."

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all [is] vanity and grasping for the wind.

Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun [was] distressing to me, for all [is] vanity and grasping for the wind.

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.

For who knows what [is] good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?

No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, And no one has power in the day of death. [There is] no release from that war, And wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it.

Surely men of low degree [are] a vapor, Men of high degree [are] a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They [are] altogether [lighter] than vapor.