^{12 Ref} I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

^{13 Ref} And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

^{14 Ref} I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

^{15 Ref} That which is crooked cannot be made straight; and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

^{16 Ref} I communed with mine own hear, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

^{17 Ref} And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.

^{18 Ref} For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.