What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly. For what can the man who comes after the king do? Just that which he has already done.

For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, apart from him?

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.

I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.

Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?

Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?

That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

For he doesn't know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

then I saw all the work of God, that man can't find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won't find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won't be able to find it.

A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?