12 I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13 And I set my mind to seek and explore by [man's][2] wisdom all [human activity] that has been done under heaven. It is a miserable business and a burdensome task which[3] God has given the sons of men with which to be busy and distressed.

14 I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a futile grasping and chasing after the wind.