All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

That which is bent may not be made straight, and that which is not there may not be numbered.

I said to myself, “Look, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.”

I acquired, men-servants and women-servants, and, the children of the household, were mine, - also possessions, herds and flocks in abundance, were mine, beyond all who had been before me in Jerusalem;

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.

Give thought to the work of God. Who will make straight what he has made bent?

Do not become so very righteous, neither count thyself wise beyond measure, - wherefore shouldst thou destroy thyself?

All this I have tested with wisdom. I said, "I will be wise!" but {it was beyond my grasp}.

{Whatever is--it is far beyond comprehension}. Who can discover it?

The words of the wise, in quietness, are heard, - beyond the outcry of one who ruleth over dullards.

When an iron is blunt, and the point not sharpened, it must be whet again, and that with might. Even so doth wisdom follow diligence.

If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer.

When the guards of the house tremble, and the men of strength are bent; the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows see dimly.

Before the silver lace be taken away, and or the golden band be broken; or the pot be broken at the well, and the wheel upon the cistern;

My son, be careful {about anything beyond these things}. For the writing of books is endless, and too much study {is wearisome}.