Ecclesiastes 2:3-11

3I explored with my 1mind how to 2stimulate my body with wine while my 3mind was guiding me wisely, and how to take hold of 4folly, until I could see 5what good there is for the sons of men 6to do under heaven the few 7years of their lives. 4I enlarged my works: I 8built houses for myself, I planted 9vineyards for myself; 5I made 10gardens and 11parks for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees; 6I made 12ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. 7I bought male and female slaves and I had 1314homeborn slaves. Also I possessed flocks and 15herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. 8Also, I collected for myself silver and 16gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself 17male and female singers and the pleasures of men--many concubines.

9Then I became 18great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. 1019All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my 20reward for all my labor. 11Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had 21exerted, and behold all was 2223vanity and striving after wind and there was 24no profit under the sun.