Ecclesiastes 2:1-9 ▼

1 I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure and gratification; so enjoy yourself and have a good time.” But behold, this too was vanity (futility, meaninglessness).

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

3 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.

4 I made great works: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself;

5 I made gardens and orchards for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees;

6 I made pools of water for myself from which to water the forest and make the trees bud.

7 I bought male and female slaves and had slaves born in my house. I also possessed herds and flocks larger than any who preceded me in Jerusalem.

8 Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male singers and female singers, and the delights and pleasures of men—many concubines.

9 So I became great and excelled more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.