1
I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure"; but surely, this also was vanity.
2
I said of laughter--"Madness!"; and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"
3
I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.
4
I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards.
5
I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.
6
I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove.
7
I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me.