12I, the preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.13I applied my heart to seek and to search out wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. This is a harmful task that God has given to the children of man, that they should be occupied with it.14I saw all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.15What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered.16I said in my heart, 'Behold, I have increased and added wisdom more than all who were before me in Jerusalem, and my heart has seen abundant wisdom and knowledge.'17I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is a striving after wind.18For with much wisdom comes much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.