Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us.

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared;

I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;

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

Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and, behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

So I saw the wicked buried, and they came to the grave ; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: this also is vanity.

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler: