Ecclesiastes 2:4-12

4I enlarged my works: I 1built houses for myself, I planted 2vineyards for myself; 5I made 3gardens and 4parks for myself, and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees; 6I made 5ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. 7I bought male and female slaves, and I had 67slaves born at home. I also possessed flocks and 8herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. 8I also amassed for myself silver and 9gold, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself 10male and female singers, and the pleasures of the sons of mankind: many concubines.

9Then I became 11great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. 1012All that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I did not restrain my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor; and this was my 13reward for all my labor. 11So I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had 14exerted, and behold, all was 15futility and striving after wind, and there was 16no benefit under the sun.

12So I turned to 17consider wisdom, insanity, and foolishness; for what will the man do who will come after the king, except 18what has already been done?