10. There is a thing of which it is said, “Look at this! This is new!” But it already existed in ages past before us.
11. There is neither remembrance of former generations, nor will there be remembrance of future generations.
12. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. I applied my mind to seek and to search by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. It is a grievous task God has given to humans.
14. I saw all the works that are done under the sun. Look! Everything is vanity and chasing wind.
15. What is twisted cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
16. I said to myself, “Look! I have become great and have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has preceded me over Jerusalem. I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and knowledge.”
17. So I dedicated myself to learn about wisdom and to learn about delusion and folly. However, I discovered that this also is chasing wind.
18. For in much wisdom is much frustration, and whoever increases knowledge increases sorrow.