Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 - Qohelet Introduces His Quest
12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all which is done under the heavens. It is a sad task God has given to the sons of men to be humbled by it. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
15 What is crooked cannot be made straight; and that lacking cannot be numbered.
16 I spoke within my own heart, saying, Lo, I have become great and have gathered more wisdom than all that have been before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart has seen much of wisdom and knowledge. 17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I know that this also is vexation of spirit.
18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.