12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13 I decided to use my wisdom. I wanted to learn about everything that happens here on earth. I learned that God has given us terrible things to face here on earth.
14 I looked at everything done here on earth. I saw that it is all a waste of time. It is like chasing the wind.
15 If something is crooked,you can’t make it straight.If something is missing,you can’t say it is there.
16 I said to myself, “I have become very wise. I am now wiser than anyone who ruled Jerusalem before me. I know what wisdom and knowledge really are.”
17 So I decided to find out how wisdom and knowledge are better than foolish thinking. But I learned that trying to become wise is also like chasing the wind.
18 With much wisdom comes much disappointment.The person who gains more knowledge also gains more sorrow.