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

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

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

Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn't know how to receive admonition any more.

For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

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

I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.