Solomon tests himself with pleasure and indulges in great projects, concluding that all is vanity and chasing after the wind, expressing deep disillusionment with material and sensual pleasures.
Reflection on the wealth, labor, and accomplishments achieved, recognizing that these must be left to someone else after death, brings Solomon sorrow and a sense of futility.
Amid existential dissatisfaction, Solomon acknowledges moments of joy and pleasure in his work, seeing them as a reward for his labor.
Contrasting wisdom with folly, Solomon notes that both wise and foolish share the same fate—death, making their efforts seem pointless, and wisdom offers no ultimate advantage over folly.
Solomon resigns to the idea that the best one can do is to eat, drink, and find enjoyment in one's toil, a bittersweet acceptance of this small joy as the only real relief from life's vanity.