Ecclesiastes 1:13
I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.
Ecclesiastes 3:10
I have observed the burden that God has given to people to keep them occupied.
Ecclesiastes 1:17
So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!
Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your brow you will eat food until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you will return."
Ecclesiastes 7:25
I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.
Psalm 111:2
The Lord's deeds are great, eagerly awaited by all who desire them.
Proverbs 2:2-4
by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding,
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme -- so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
Proverbs 18:1
One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.
Proverbs 18:15
The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 23:26
Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes observe my ways;
Ecclesiastes 2:23
For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth -- only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile -- like chasing the wind!
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless -- like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 8:9
While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm.
Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
When I tried to gain wisdom and to observe the activity on earth -- even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night --
Ecclesiastes 12:12
Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. There is no end to the making of many books, and much study is exhausting to the body.
1 Timothy 4:15
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.