All things are full of toil; none can express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

I searched in my heart how to cherish my flesh with wine, while practising my heart with wisdom; and how to lay hold on folly, till I should see what was that good for the children of men which they should do under the heavens all the days of their life.

I have seen the travail that God hath given to the sons of men to toil in.

For who knoweth what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell man what shall be after him under the sun?

for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?

And the fool multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and what shall be after him, who will tell him?

Curse not the king, no, not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for the bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which hath wings will tell the matter.