The Emptiness of Pleasure

2 I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure;^(A) enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile. ² I said about laughter,^(B) “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” ³ I explored with my mind the pull of wine^(C) on my body—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—and how to grasp folly,^(D) until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven^[a] during the few days of their lives.^(E)

The Emptiness of Possessions

⁴ I increased my achievements. I built houses^(F) and planted vineyards^(G) for myself. ⁵ I made gardens^(H) and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. ⁶ I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.^{(I) 7} I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house.^(J) I also owned livestock—large herds and flocks—more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.^{(K) 8} I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.^(L) I gathered male and female singers for myself,^(M) and many concubines, the delights of men.^[b][c]