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

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

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

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea, it is more excellent for those who 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 chains. He who pleases 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, nor have they any more a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.

As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, has perished long ago, nor have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.