I spoke with my heart, saying, “Behold, I have acquired great [human] wisdom and experience, more than all who were over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has observed a wealth of [moral] wisdom and [scientific] knowledge.”

I made great works: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself;

I bought male and female slaves and had slaves born in my house. I also possessed herds and flocks larger than any who preceded me in Jerusalem.

So I became great and excelled more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

For there is a man who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, yet gives his legacy to one who has not labored for it. This too is vanity and a great evil.

And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This [illustration of] wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and great it was to me:

There was a little city with few men in it and a great king came against it and besieged it and built great battlements against it.

If the temper of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post [showing resistance], because composure and calmness prevent great offenses.

folly is set in many exalted places and in great dignity while the rich sit in humble places.

Earnestly remember your Creator before the silver cord [of life] is broken, or the golden bowl is crushed, or the pitcher at the fountain is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed;