The Emptiness of Possessions

⁴ I increased my achievements. I built houses^(A) and planted vineyards^(B) for myself. ⁵ I made gardens^(C) 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.^{(D) 7} I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house.^(E) I also owned livestock—large herds and flocks—more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.^{(F) 8} I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.^(G) I gathered male and female singers for myself,^(H) and many concubines, the delights of men.^{[a][b] 9} So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem;^(I) my wisdom also remained with me. ¹⁰ All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them.^(J) I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.^{(K) 11} When I considered all that I had accomplished^[c] and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind.^[d](L) There was nothing to be gained under the sun.^(M)