3. Driven on by my desire for wisdom, I decided to cheer myself up with wine and have a good time. I thought that this might be the best way people can spend their short lives on earth.
4. I accomplished great things. I built myself houses and planted vineyards.
5. I planted gardens and orchards, with all kinds of fruit trees in them;
6. I dug ponds to irrigate them.
7. I bought many slaves, and there were slaves born in my household. I owned more livestock than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem.