Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

1I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile.

2I said of partying, “It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!”

3I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

4I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.

5I designed royal gardens and parks for myself, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

6I constructed pools of water for myself, to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees.

7I purchased male and female slaves, and I owned slaves who were born in my house; I also possessed more livestock – both herds and flocks – than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.

8I also amassed silver and gold for myself, as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces. I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines!

9So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem, yet I maintained my objectivity:

10I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort.

11Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth.”