12. I, Qoheleth, was sovereign over Yisra’ĕl in Yerushalayim.
13. And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that has been done under the heavens; this evil task Elohim has given to the sons of man, to be humbled by it.
14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun. And see, all was futile and feeding on wind.
15. The crooked could not be straightened, and what is lacking could not be counted.
16. So I spoke to my heart, saying, “See, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Yerushalayim. And my heart has seen much wisdom and knowledge.”