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

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

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:

There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet [there is] no end to all his labors, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. [But he never asks,] "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also [is] vanity and a grave misfortune.

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.

If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

There is a severe evil [which] I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.

Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, "Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"

Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them.

So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses [and] chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

"But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as [it is] this day.

"You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Glory [in that,] and stay at home; for why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall -- you and Judah with you?"

And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his tent.

Then they killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out the eyes of Zedekiah, bound him with bronze fetters, and took him to Babylon.