For neither the wise nor the fool will be long remembered, since in days to come everything will be forgotten. The wise man dies the same way as the fool, does he not?

I used my wisdom to test all of this. I said, "I want to be wise," but it was beyond me.

Among the things I seek but have not found: one man among a thousand I did find, but I have not found one woman to be wise among all these.

In light of all of this, I committed myself to explain it this way: the righteous and the wise, along with everything they do, are in the hands of God. Furthermore, as to love and hate, no human being knows everything concerning them.

I considered and observed on earth the following: The race doesn't go to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor food to the wise, nor wealth to the smart, nor recognition to the skilled. Instead, timing and circumstances meet them all.

So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise.

The wise use their eyes, but the fool walks in darkness. I also perceived that the same outcome affects them all.

And who knows whether he will be wise or foolish? Either way, he will take possession of everything that I have done on earth, especially where I have excelled. This also is pointless.

A poor but wise youth is better than an old but foolish king who will no longer accept correction.

For what advantage has the wise person over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have in knowing how to face life?

For the wise person thinks carefully when in mourning, but fools focus their thoughts on pleasure.

It is better to listen to a wise person's rebuke than to listen to the praise of fools.

Unjust gain makes the wise foolish, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

Wise use of possessions is good; it brings benefit to the living.

Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise. Why be self-destructive?

Wisdom given as strength to a wise person is better than having ten powerful men in the city.

Who is really wise? Who knows how to interpret this saying: "A person's wisdom improves his appearance, softening a harsh countenance."

Whoever obeys his commands will not experience harm, and the wise in heart will discern both the appropriate time and response.

Now there was found within it a poor, but wise man. He delivered the city by his wisdom, but not one person remembered that poor man.

The softly spoken words of the wise are to be heard rather than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

A wise man's heart tends toward his right, but a fool's heart tends toward his left.

The words spoken by the wise are gracious, but the lips of a fool will devour him.

Moreover, besides being wise himself, the Teacher taught people what he had learned by listening, making inquiries, and composing many proverbs.

Sayings from the wise are like cattle prods and well fastened nails; this masterful collection was given by one shepherd.

Then I told myself, "Whatever happens to the fool will happen also to me. Therefore what's the point in being so wise?" And I told myself that this also is pointless.