What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?

I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it?

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

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been done long ago.

For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun?

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?

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

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what advantage is there to the owner thereof, save the beholding of them with his eyes?

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?

For what advantage hath the wise more than the fool? or what hath the poor man, that knoweth how to walk before the living?

Whatsoever hath been, the name thereof was given long ago; and it is know what man is; neither can he contend with him that is mightier than he.

Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

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

For the king's word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?

Give a portion to seven, yea, even unto eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all.