I communed with my heart, saying, "Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge."

For in much wisdom [is] much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

"behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure"; but surely, this also [was] vanity.

"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.