12. I Ecclesiastes was king over Israel in Jerusalem,
13. And I proposed in my mind to seek and search out wisely concerning all things that are done under the sun. This painful occupation hath God given to the children of men, to be exercised therein.
14. I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold all is vanity, and vexation of spirit.
15. The perverse are hard to be corrected, and the number of fools is infinite.
16. I have spoken in my heart, saying: Behold I am become great, and have gone beyond all in wisdom, that were before me in Jerusalem: and my mind hath contemplated many things wisely, and I have learned.