Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives. New Living Translation After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. English Standard Version I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. Berean Standard Bible I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. King James Bible I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. New King James Version I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives. New American Standard Bible I explored with my mind how to refresh my body with wine while my mind was guiding me wisely; and how to seize foolishness, until I could see what good there is for the sons of mankind to do under heaven for the few years of their lives. NASB 1995 I explored with my mind how to stimulate my body with wine while my mind was guiding me wisely, and how to take hold of folly, until I could see what good there is for the sons of men to do under heaven the few years of their lives. NASB 1977 I explored with my mind how to stimulate my body with wine while my mind was guiding me wisely, and how to take hold of folly, until I could see what good there is for the sons of men to do under heaven the few years of their lives. Legacy Standard Bible I explored with my heart how to stimulate my body with wine—while my heart was guiding me wisely—and how to seize simpleminded folly, until I could see where is this good for the sons of men in what they do under heaven the few days of their lives. Amplified Bible I explored with my mind how to gratify myself with wine while [at the same time] having my mind remain steady and guide me wisely; and how to take control of foolishness, until I could see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives. Christian Standard Bible I explored with my mind the pull of wine on my body—my mind still guiding me with wisdom — and how to grasp folly, until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. Holman Christian Standard Bible I explored with my mind how to let my body enjoy life with wine and how to grasp folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. American Standard Version I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life. Contemporary English Version I wanted to find out what was best for us during the short time we have on this earth. So I decided to make myself happy with wine and find out what it means to be foolish, without really being foolish myself. English Revised Version I searched in mine heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, mine heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. GOD'S WORD® Translation I explored ways to make myself feel better by drinking wine. I also explored ways to do [some] foolish things. During all that time, wisdom continued to control my mind. I was able to determine whether this was good for mortals to do during their brief lives under heaven. Good News Translation Driven on by my desire for wisdom, I decided to cheer myself up with wine and have a good time. I thought that this might be the best way people can spend their short lives on earth. International Standard Version I decided to indulge in wine, while still remaining committed to wisdom. I also tried to indulge in foolishness, just enough to determine whether it was good for human beings under heaven given the short time of their lives. Majority Standard Bible I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. NET Bible I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives. New Heart English Bible I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives. Webster's Bible Translation I sought in my heart, to give myself to wine, yet acquainting my heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. World English Bible I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly until I see where this [is]—the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives. Young's Literal Translation I have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite, (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly till that I see where is this -- the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives. Smith's Literal Translation I examined in my heart to draw my flesh with wine, and my heart led in wisdom; and to lay hold upon folly till that I shall see what this good to the sons of man which they will do under the heavens the number of the days of their life. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I might turn my mind to wisdom, and might avoid folly, till I might see what was profitable for the children of men: and what they ought to do under the sun, all the days of their life. Catholic Public Domain Version I decided in my heart to withdraw my flesh from wine, so that I might bring my mind to wisdom, and turn away from foolishness, until I see what is useful for the sons of men, and what they ought to do under the sun, during the number of the days of their life. New American Bible Guided by wisdom, I probed with my mind how to beguile my senses with wine and take up folly, until I should understand what is good for human beings to do under the heavens during the limited days of their lives. New Revised Standard Version I searched with my mind how to cheer my body with wine—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, until I might see what was good for mortals to do under heaven during the few days of their life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI thought in my heart to give myself to wine, but my heart reasoned with wisdom; and I laid hold upon understanding, till I might see what was good for the sons of men, which they should do under the sun all the days of their lives. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I thought in my heart to give pleasure to my flesh with wine, and my heart meditated in wisdom and held to understanding until I would see what good there is for the children men that they may do under the sun for the number of days of their lives OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I searched in my heart how to pamper my flesh with wine, and, my heart conducting itself with wisdom, how yet to lay hold on folly, till I might see which it was best for the sons of men that they should do under the heaven the few days of their life. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I examined whether my heart would excite my flesh as with wine, (though my heart guided me in wisdom,) and I desired to lay hold of mirth, until I should see of what kind is the good to the sons of men, which they should do under the sun all the days of their life. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Pleasure…2I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly— my mind still guiding me with wisdom— until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. 4I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.… Cross References Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Proverbs 23:29-35 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. ... Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Isaiah 5:22 Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink, Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Luke 12:19 Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 1 Corinthians 6:12 “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. Galatians 5:21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. Proverbs 31:4-7 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, / lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. / Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. ... Isaiah 22:13 But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Treasury of Scripture I sought in my heart to give myself to wine, yet acquainting my heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. sought Ecclesiastes 1:17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 1 Samuel 25:36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 31:4,5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: … Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; and to lay Ecclesiastes 7:18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 23:29-35 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? … till Ecclesiastes 6:12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun? Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. all Genesis 47:9 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Psalm 90:9-12 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told… Jump to Previous Best Cheer Conducting Flesh Folly Good Guiding Heart Heaven Hold Itself Lay Searched Sought Wine WisdomJump to Next Best Cheer Conducting Flesh Folly Good Guiding Heart Heaven Hold Itself Lay Searched Sought Wine WisdomEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift My mind guiding me with wisdom The phrase begins with the acknowledgment of the mind's role in seeking wisdom. The Hebrew word for "mind" here is "לִבִּי" (libbi), often translated as "heart" in other contexts, indicating the seat of thought and emotion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the heart was considered the center of intellect and decision-making. The phrase suggests a deliberate and conscious effort to apply wisdom, which in the biblical sense, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical understanding aligned with God's will. This sets the stage for the exploration of life's pleasures, indicating that the pursuit is not haphazard but guided by a desire to discern true value. I sought to cheer my body with wine and embrace folly until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives "Draw," margin. There is no Biblical parallel for the use of the word in this sense. The general meaning is plain. Acquainting.--Rather, guiding. The word is used of the driver of an animal or the shepherd of a flock (2Samuel 6:3; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 63:4). Koheleth contemplated not an unrestrained enjoyment of pleasure, but one controlled by prudence. All the days.--(See margin). This phrase occurs again in Ecclesiastes 5:17; Ecclesiastes 6:12. We have "men of number" in the sense of "few"--i.e., so few that they can be numbered (Genesis 34:30, and often elsewhere). So we may translate here "for their span of life." . . . Verse 3. - I sought in mine heart; literally, I spied out (as Ecclesiastes 1:13) in my heart. Having proved the fruitlessness of some sort of sensual pleasure, he made another experiment in a philosophical spirit. To give myself unto wine; literally, to draw (mashak) my flesh with wine; i.e. to use the attraction of the pleasures of the table. Yet acquainting my heart with wisdom. This is a parenthetical clause, which Wright translates, "While my heart was acting [guiding] with wisdom." That is, while, as it were, experimenting with pleasure, he still retained sufficient control over his passions as not to be wholly given over to vice; he was in the position of one who is being carried down an impetuous stream, yet has the power of stopping his headlong course before it becomes fatal to him. Such control was given by wisdom. Deliberately to enter upon a course of self-indulgence, even with a possibly good intention, must be a most perilous trial, and one which would leave indelible marks upon the soul; and not one person in a hundred would be able to stop short of ruin, The historical Solomon, by his experiment, suffered infinite loss, which nothing could compensate. The Septuagint renders not very successfully, "I examined whether my heart would draw (ἑλκύσει) my flesh as wine; and my heart guided me in wisdom." The Vulgate gives a sense entirely contrary to the writer's intention; "I thought in my heart to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I might transfer my mind to wisdom." And to lay hold on folly. These words are dependent upon "I sought in my heart," and refer to the sensual pleasures in which he indulged for a certain object. "Dulce est desipere in loco," says Horace ('Canto.,' 4:12. 28); Ἐν μὲν μαινομένοις μάλα μαίνομαι (Theognis, 313). Till I might see. His purpose was to discover if there was in these things any real good which might satisfy men's cravings, and be a worthy object for them to pursue all the days of their life.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew My mind,בְלִבִּ֔י (ḇə·lib·bî) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre [all the while] וְלִבִּ֞י (wə·lib·bî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre guiding נֹהֵ֤ג (nō·hêḡ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5090: To drive forth, lead, carry away, to proceed, to sigh me with wisdom, בַּֽחָכְמָה֙ (ba·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom sought תַּ֣רְתִּי (tar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 8446: To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring to cheer my body בְּשָׂרִ֑י (bə·śā·rî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man with wine בַּיַּ֖יִן (bay·ya·yin) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication and embrace וְלֶאֱחֹ֣ז (wə·le·’ĕ·ḥōz) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession folly, בְּסִכְל֔וּת (bə·siḵ·lūṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5531: Silliness until עַ֣ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while I could see אֶרְאֶ֗ה (’er·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see what אֵי־ (’ê-) Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? [was] זֶ֨ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that worthwhile ט֜וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good for men לִבְנֵ֤י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son to do יַעֲשׂוּ֙ (ya·‘ă·śū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of heaven הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky during the few מִסְפַּ֖ר (mis·par) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration days יְמֵ֥י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3117: A day of their lives. חַיֵּיהֶֽם׃ (ḥay·yê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life Links Ecclesiastes 2:3 NIVEcclesiastes 2:3 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:3 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:3 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:3 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:3 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:3 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:3 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:3 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:3 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:3 I searched in my heart how (Ecclesiast. 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