Holman Christian Standard Bible

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

4. I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.

5. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them.

6. I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.

7. I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.

8. I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men.

9. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me.

10. All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.

11. When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.