12. I, Ecclesiastes, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13. And I have given my heart over to search and discern by wisdom all that is happening[17] under heaven. This difficult[18] care[19] God gave to the sons of men, so that they might be carried away[20] by it.

14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all are vanity and agitation[21] of the spirit.

15. That which is crooked cannot be made straight,[22] and that which is not,[23] cannot be counted[24].

16. And I said in my heart thus[25], Behold, I have been magnified, and have gained wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem[26],

17. And I gave up my heart[27] to know wisdom and understanding, and my heart comprehended many things: wisdom and knowledge, parables and science[28]. (But) I understood that even this (only) agitation of the spirit,

18. For in the abundance of wisdom there is much knowledge, and he who multiplies knowledge also multiplies suffering[29].

Chapter II.

1. And I said in my heart, "Give[30] that I will try you with gladness, and enjoy good things." But behold, this is also vanity!

2. To the slight I said, "Sinfulness",[32] and to gladness, "What hast thou done"[33]?

3. And I observed, Shall not my heart draw my flesh like wine? [34] And my heart guided me[35] in wisdom, to keep me from rejoicing,[36] until I see that it is good for the children of men, which they will acquire[37] under the sun in the appointed days of their lives.

4. I have done[39] great works: I have built houses for myself, I have planted vineyards for myself,

5. He made for himself gardens and parks,[40] and planted in them all kinds of fruitful trees.

6. I have built myself cisterns for irrigating the trees that grow from them[41].