That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done; and there is nothing new under the sun.

Is there a thing of which it may be said, See, this is new? It has already been in days of old, which were before us.

I spoke within my own heart, saying, Lo, I have become great and have gathered more wisdom than all that have been before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart has seen much of wisdom and knowledge.

That which has been is now; and that which is to be has already been; and God requires that which is past.

Yea, better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

There is no end of all the people, of all who have been before them; they also who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

That which has been is named already, and it is known that he is man. And he is not able to contend with Him who is mightier than he.