Ecclesiastes 2:1-12
I said to myself,“ Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile.I said about laughter,“ It is madness,” and about pleasure,“ What does this accomplish?”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.I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them.I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men.So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me.All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done.
