{I said to myself}, "Look! I have become great and have increased [in] wisdom more than anyone who {has preceded} me over Jerusalem. {I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and knowledge}."

{I accomplished great things}. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards.

So I said {to myself}, "{If I also suffer the same fate as the fool}, {what advantage is my great wisdom}?" So I said {to myself}, "This also [is] vanity!"

For although a person may toil with great wisdom and skill, he must leave his reward to someone who has not toiled for it. This also [is] vanity and a great calamity.

{Although an assailant may overpower one person, two may withstand him}. A threefold cord {is not easily broken}!

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; draw near to listen [rather] than to offer a sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.

I have also seen this [example of] wisdom under the sun, and it [seemed] great to me.

[There was] a small city with few people in it. A great king came and besieged it, building great siege works against it.

If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post, for calmness can undo great offenses.

Before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken; and the jar at the foundation is broken, and the wheel at the cistern is broken.