Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
Revised Standard Version
The Futility of Self-Indulgence
2 I said to myself, “Come now, I will make a test of pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my mind how to cheer my body with wine—my mind still guiding me 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 during the few days of their life.
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Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
American Standard Version
2 I said in my heart, Come now, I will prove thee with mirth; [a]therefore enjoy [b]pleasure: and, behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it? 3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet [c]guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven [d]all the days of their life.
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- Ecclesiastes 2:1 Or, and thou shalt enjoy
- Ecclesiastes 2:1 Or, good
- Ecclesiastes 2:3 Or, holding its course
- Ecclesiastes 2:3 Hebrew the number of days of their life.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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