12. I, Kohelet, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
15. That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted.
16. I said to myself, “Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”