Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 - Qohelet Introduces His Quest

¹² I, the Proclaimer, was king over Israel, in Jerusalem. ¹³ And I gave my heart to seek and to search out, wisely, concerning all things which are done under the heavens, - the same, is the vexatious employment God hath given to the sons of men, to work toilsomely therein, ¹⁴ I saw all the works which were done under the sun, - and lo! all, was vanity, and a feeding on wind.

¹⁵ That which is crooked, cannot be straight, - and, that which is wanting, cannot be reckoned.

¹⁶ Spake, I, in my heart, saying, As for me, lo! I have become great, and have gathered wisdom, beyond any one who hath been before me over Jerusalem, - and, my heart, hath seen much wisdom and knowledge: ¹⁷ yea I have given my heart, to know wisdom, and to know madness, and folly, - I know that, even this, is a feeding on wind.

¹⁸ For, in much wisdom, is much vexation, - and, he that increaseth knowledge, increaseth pain.