We need to Solomon’s perspective Eccl 1:1-3 – The words of the Preacher, [a] the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity [b] of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? We strive to make a that will soon disappear Eccl 1:9-11 – What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things, [a] nor will there be any remembrance of later things [b] yet to be among those who come after. Being the person in the room didn’t work for Solomon Eccl 1:12-18 – I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart [a] to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity [b] and a striving after wind. [c] 15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.