What they loved, as well as what they hated and envied, perished long ago, and they no longer have a part in anything that happens on earth.

For you know in your own heart that you also have cursed others many times.

So I thought to myself, “The fate of the fool will happen even to me! Then what did I gain by becoming so excessively wise?” So I lamented to myself, “The benefits of wisdom are ultimately meaningless!”

For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!

All of man’s labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach – yet his appetite is never satisfied!

Again, I observed this on the earth: the race is not always won by the swiftest, the battle is not always won by the strongest; prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest, wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning, nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge – for time and chance may overcome them all.

A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is futile and a burdensome task!

and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God.

Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself?

For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.

though it never saw the light of day nor knew anything, yet it has more rest than that man –

It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind.

For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless.

This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me:

Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is.

There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.

So I reflected on all this, attempting to clear it all up. I concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works, are in the hand of God; whether a person will be loved or hated – no one knows what lies ahead.

No one remembers the former events, nor will anyone remember the events that are yet to happen; they will not be remembered by the future generations.

So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!