I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart 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. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
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.” 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.
For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Comment: Solomon certainly sounds proud of the wisdom which he has obtained. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom and I assume that Solomon means that he has obtained a fair share of both. But wisdom and knowledge are different. There is much more knowledge these days (although some of it is not proven fact!) but wisdom is being able to discern behind the revealed facts. At this point of time, in his gained wisdom, Solomon ends up saying that in the end, as are madness and folly, wisdom ends up in the grave with ‘you’. You don’t make much difference,,,’What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.‘ I suspect that Solomon is challenging us to think more deeply!
Prayer: Help me to be the best that I can be for Your Glory!
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. It reminds me of the “Serenity Prayer.” “God grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.” I find reminding myself of these words can help. God bless you.
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