Catholic Public Domain Version
"I have seen all that is done under the sun, and behold: all is emptiness and an affliction of the spirit. "
— Ecclesiastes 1:14, Catholic Public Domain Version
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. ”
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.”
“I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile– like chasing the wind!”
“I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold all is vanity, and vexation of spirit.”
“I have seen all the works which are done under the sun; all is to no purpose, and desire for wind.”
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
There is no remembrance of the former things. Indeed, neither shall there be any record of past things in the future, for those who will exist at the very end.
I, Ecclesiastes, was king of Israel at Jerusalem.
And I was determined in my mind to seek and to investigate wisely, concerning all that is done under the sun. God has given this very difficult task to the sons of men, so that they may be occupied by it.
I have seen all that is done under the sun, and behold: all is emptiness and an affliction of the spirit.
The perverse are unwilling to be corrected, and the number of the foolish is boundless.
I have spoken in my heart, saying: “Behold, I have achieved greatness, and I have surpassed all the wise who were before me in Jerusalem.” And my mind has contemplated many things wisely, and I have learned.
And I have dedicated my heart, so that I may know prudence and doctrine, and also error and foolishness. Yet I recognize that, in these things also, there is hardship, and affliction of the spirit.