I observed every activity done on earth. My conclusion: all of it is pointless like chasing after the wind.

I told myself, "I have become greater and wiser than anyone who ruled before me in Jerusalem yes, I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and knowledge."

With respect to my extravagant works, I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.

I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem.

I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man all sorts of mistresses.

So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise.

Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.

Then I told myself, "Whatever happens to the fool will happen also to me. Therefore what's the point in being so wise?" And I told myself that this also is pointless.

So I hated life, because whatever is done on earth causes me trouble it's all pointless, like chasing after the wind.

Then I despised everything I had worked for on earth, that is, the things that I will leave to the person who will succeed me.

The former can come out of prison to reign, while the latter, even if born to kingship, may become poor.

Never let your mouth cause you to sin and don't proclaim in the presence of the angel, "My promise was a mistake," for why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy what you've undertaken?

I have seen it all during my pointless life: both a righteous person who dies while he is righteous, and a wicked person who lives to an old age, while remaining wicked.

Don't listen to everything that is spoken you may hear your servant cursing you,

I used my wisdom to test all of this. I said, "I want to be wise," but it was beyond me.

I also observed this example of wisdom on earth, and it seemed important to me:

Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall may suffer a snake bite.

Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts. Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom. For a bird will fly by and tell what you say, or something with wings may talk about it.

So learn from them, my son. There is no end to the crafting of many books, and too much study wearies the body.