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

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then said I in my heart, that this also is vanity.

For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?

Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;

Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

For what advantage hath the wise more than the fool? or what hath the poor man, that knoweth how to walk before the living?

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.

Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city.

And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, is perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.

If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.