but keeping in mind the broad picture and seeing where Qohelet is leading these observations. In addition to the hints we have already seen to this point, whatever notions one might still have that 3:1–8 are serene words of comfort begin to dissolve completely when we come to v. 9. Here we see a phrase that includes three words that should already be familiar to us. Translated somewhat literally, “What profit (יִתְרוֹן/yitrôn) is there for the doer (הָעוֹשֶׂה/hāʿôśeh) in which he toils (עָמֵל/