I, the Teacher, [was] king over Israel in Jerusalem.

I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children [born in my] house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who [was] before me in Jerusalem.

Thus, {I accomplished far more} than anyone who [was] before me in Jerusalem--indeed, my wisdom stood by me.

I neither withheld anything from my eyes that they desired, nor did I deprive any pleasure from my heart. My heart rejoiced in all my toil, for this was my reward from all my toil.

What is--it already was, and what will be--it already is, for {God will do what he has done.}

I saw something else under the sun: instead of justice [there was] evil; instead of righteousness [there was] wickedness.

For he came out of the prison house to reign, {since he was born poor in his kingdom}.

Do not let your mouth lead your flesh into sin, and do not tell the messenger that it [was] a mistake. Why anger God at your words, so that he destroys the work of your hands?

That wealth was lost in a bad venture. Although he has borne a child, {he has nothing to leave to him}.

Whatever is--it was already determined, {what will be--it has already been decided}. As for man, he cannot argue against what is more powerful than him.

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

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

Now, a poor wise man was found in it, and he delivered the city by his wisdom.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the breath returns to God who gave it.

The Teacher was full of wisdom, and he taught the people with knowledge. He carefully considered many proverbs and carefully arranged them.