2:7 I purchased male and female slaves,
and I owned slaves who were born in my house;
I also possessed more livestock – both herds and flocks –
than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.
2:12 Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas.
For what more can the king’s successor do than what the king has already done?
2:24 There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink,
and to find enjoyment in their work.
I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.
4:4 Then I considered all the skillful work that is done:
Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another.
This also is profitless – like chasing the wind.
5:1 Be careful what you do when you go to the temple of God;
draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice like fools,
for they do not realize that they are doing wrong.
6:9 It is better to be content with what the eyes can see
than for one’s heart always to crave more.
This continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind.
6:10 Whatever has happened was foreordained,
and what happens to a person was also foreknown.
It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate
because God is more powerful than he is.