⁴ I undertook great projects. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. ⁵ I made gardens and parks for myself, and I planted every kind of fruit tree in them. ⁶ I made reservoirs of water for myself to irrigate a forest of sprouting trees. ⁷ I acquired male and female servants. I also had slaves that were born in my own house. Livestock too! I had more herds and flocks than anyone before me in Jerusalem. ⁸ I piled up silver and gold for myself, as well as treasures from kings and provinces. I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives great pleasure to men—one concubine after another.^[a]

⁹ So I became great, and I surpassed all who were in Jerusalem before me. Nevertheless, my wisdom still stayed with me. ¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired I did not withhold from them. I did not hold my heart back from any pleasure. My heart even took pleasure in all my hard work. This was what I got from all my hard work.

¹¹ But when I turned my attention to everything that my hands had done and to how hard I had worked for it—note this—it was all vapor, all chasing the wind. There was no benefit under the sun.