What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"

I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?

Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?

When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?

This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?

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

Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?

Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don't know what evil will be on the earth.

As you don't know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you don't know the work of God who does all.