Ecclesiastes 1:14

1:14 I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth,

and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile – like chasing the wind!

Ecclesiastes 2:13

2:13 I realized that wisdom is preferable to folly,

just as light is preferable to darkness:

Ecclesiastes 3:10

3:10 I have observed the burden

that God has given to people to keep them occupied.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

3:13 and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil,

for these things are a gift from God.

Ecclesiastes 3:16

The Problem of Injustice and Oppression

3:16 I saw something else on earth:

In the place of justice, there was wickedness,

and in the place of fairness, there was wickedness.

Ecclesiastes 5:13

Materialism Thwarts Enjoyment of Life

5:13 Here is a misfortune on earth that I have seen:

Wealth hoarded by its owner to his own misery.

Ecclesiastes 6:1

Not Everyone Enjoys Life

6:1 Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth,

and it weighs heavily on people:

Ecclesiastes 6:5

6:5 though it never saw the light of day nor knew anything,

yet it has more rest than that man –

Ecclesiastes 7:13

Wisdom Acknowledges God’s Orchestration of Life

7:13 Consider the work of God:

For who can make straight what he has bent?

Ecclesiastes 7:27

7:27 The Teacher says:

I discovered this while trying to discover the scheme of things, item by item.

Ecclesiastes 9:13

Most People Are Not Receptive to Wise Counsel

9:13 This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth,

and it is a great burden to me:

Ecclesiastes 10:5

10:5 I have seen another misfortune on the earth:

It is an error a ruler makes.

Ecclesiastes 10:7

10:7 I have seen slaves on horseback

and princes walking on foot like slaves.