Ecclesiastes 2:1-6 ▼

1 I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile.

2 I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”

3 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.

4 I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.

5 I made gardens and parks for myself, where I planted all kinds of fruit trees.

6 I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees.