World English Bible, British Edition
Ecclesiastes • Chapter 1
1
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
2
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all
is vanity.”
3
What does man gain from all his labour in which he labours under the sun?
4
One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains
forever.
5
The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where
it rises.
6
The wind goes towards the south, and turns around to the north. It turns
around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses.
7
All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place
where the rivers flow, there they flow again.
8
All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied
with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9
That which has been is that which shall be, and that which has been done
is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun.
10
Is there a thing of which it may be said, “Behold, this is new?” It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.
11
There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory
of the latter that are to come, amongst those that shall come after.
12
I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13
I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all
that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God (Elohim) has given to the sons of men
to be afflicted with.
14
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all
is vanity and a chasing after wind.
15
That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking
can’t be counted.
16
I said to myself, “Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above
all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”
17
I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I
perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.
18
For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases
sorrow.