All this I proved by wisdom: I said I will be wise, and it was removed far off from me.

That which is, is far off and exceeding deep; who can find it out?

Till when the cord of silver shall be removed far off, and the bowl of gold be broken, and the bucket shall be broken at the fountain, and the wheel broken at the cistern.

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

Let your mind be turned to your Maker in the days of your strength, while the evil days come not, and the years are far away when you will say, I have no pleasure in them;

I said to myself, “Look, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.”