I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;

I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skilfulness; yet to a man that hath not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:

I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:

There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.

folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.

before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,