I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart.

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!

All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”— but this was beyond me.

while I was still searching but not finding— I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all.

Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!