All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.

When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.

Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

When there is a man whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong.

For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?

That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed.

Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he.

I have tested all this by wisdom. I resolved, “I will be wise,” but it was beyond me.

There was a small city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it.

Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

and the dust returns to the earth as it once was,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.