The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

I spoke within my own heart, saying, Lo, I have become great and have gathered more wisdom than all that have been before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart has seen much of wisdom and knowledge.

I bought slaves and slave women, and sons of the house were mine; also livestock, a herd and a great flock were mine, above all that were before me in Jerusalem.

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