Ecclesiastes 2:1–11

Qohelet’s Investigation of Self-Indulgence

2 I said ⌊to myself⌋,a “Come! I will testb pleasure ⌊to see whether it is worthwhile⌋.”c But look, “This also is vanity!” 2 I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “⌊What does it accomplish?⌋”d 3 I also ⌊explored⌋e ⌊the effects of indulging my flesh⌋f with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, ⌊I investigated⌋g folly so that I might discover what is good under heavenh for ⌊humans⌋i to do ⌊during the days of their lives⌋.j

Qohelet’s Investigation of Personal Accomplishment

4 ⌊I accomplished great things⌋.k I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards. 5 I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted all sorts of fruit trees in them. 6 I made for myself pools of water from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. 7 I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children born in my house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered to myself silver and gold—the royal and provincial treasuries. I acquired for myself male and female singers, as well as the delight of ⌊men⌋,l ⌊voluptuous concubines⌋.m

9 Thus, ⌊I accomplished far more⌋n than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem—indeed, my wisdom stood by me. 10 I neither withheld anything from my eyes that they desired, nor did I deprive any pleasure from my heart. My heart rejoiced in all my toil, for this was my reward from all my toil. 11 Yet when I consideredo all the effort which I expended and the toil with which I toiled to do, then behold, “Everything is vanity and chasing wind! There is nothing profitable under the sun!”