Ecclesiastes 2:4–11

The Emptiness of Possessions

4 I increased my achievements. I built houses k and planted vineyards l for myself. 5 I made gardens m and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. 6 I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. n 7 I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. o I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. p 8 I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. q I gathered male and female singers for myself, r and many concubines, the delights of men. s t 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; u my wisdom also remained with me. 10 All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. v I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. w 11 When I considered all that I had accomplished x and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. y There was nothing to be gained under the sun. z