¹⁵ and I said in my heart, `As it happeneth with the fool, it happeneth also with me, and why am I then more wise?' And I spake in my heart, that also this `is' vanity:

⁸ For what advantage `is' to the wise above the fool? What to the poor who knoweth to walk before the living?

¹² lo, I have done according to thy words; lo, I have given to thee a heart, wise and understanding, that like thee there hath not been before thee, and after thee there doth not arise like thee;

² Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, Vanity of vanities: the whole `is' vanity.

¹⁴ I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and lo, the whole `is' vanity and vexation of spirit!

¹⁶ I -- I spake with my heart, saying, `I, lo, I have magnified and added wisdom above every one who hath been before me at Jerusalem, and my heart hath seen abundantly wisdom and knowledge.

¹⁸ for, in abundance of wisdom `is' abundance of sadness, and he who addeth knowledge addeth pain.'

¹ I said in my heart, `Pray, come, I try thee with mirth, and look thou on gladness;' and lo, even it `is' vanity.

¹⁶ That there is no remembrance to the wise -- with the fool -- to the age, for that which `is' already, `in' the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dieth the wise? with the fool!