NET Bible
"I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile– like chasing the wind!"
— Ecclesiastes 1:14, NET Bible
“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 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.”
No one remembers the former events, nor will anyone remember the events that are yet to happen; they will not be remembered by the future generations.
Futility of Secular Accomplishment I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.
I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile– like chasing the wind!
What is bent cannot be straightened, and what is missing cannot be supplied.
Futility of Secular Wisdom I thought to myself,“I have become much wiser than any of my predecessors who ruled over Jerusalem; I have acquired much wisdom and knowledge.”
So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!