English Standard Version

Ecclesiastes 1:14-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

14. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

15. What is crooked cannot be made straight,and what is lacking cannot be counted.

16. I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”

17. And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.

18. For in much wisdom is much vexation,and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.