I also have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?

I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could pile up words against you and I could shake my head at you.

Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins; do not allow such sins to control me. Then I will be blameless, and innocent of blatant rebellion.

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.

Even when I am old and gray, O God, do not abandon me, until I tell the next generation about your strength, and those coming after me about your power.

Yes, he struck a rock and water flowed out, streams gushed forth. But can he also give us food? Will he provide meat for his people?”

I desperately want to be in the courts of the Lord’s temple. My heart and my entire being shout for joy to the living God.

Even the birds find a home there, and the swallow builds a nest, where she can protect her young near your altars, O Lord who rules over all, my king and my God.

If your sons keep my covenant and the rules I teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”

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!

I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile.

I purchased male and female slaves, and I owned slaves who were born in my house; I also possessed more livestock – both herds and flocks – than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.

I also amassed silver and gold for myself, as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces. I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines!

The wise man can see where he is going, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also realized that the same fate happens to them both.

Who knows if he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will be master over all the fruit of my labor for which I worked so wisely on earth! This also is futile!

For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance to someone else who did not work for it. This also is futile, and an awful injustice!

There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.

The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money, he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income. This also is futile.

This is another misfortune: Just as he came, so will he go. What did he gain from toiling for the wind?