1. I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!”
2. I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”
3. I also explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, I investigated folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for humans to do during the days of their lives.
4. I accomplished great things. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards.
5. I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted all sorts of fruit trees in them.
6. I made for myself pools of water from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.
7. I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children born in my house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem.
8. I also gathered to myself silver and gold—the royal and provincial treasuries. I acquired for myself male and female singers, as well as the delight of men, voluptuous concubines.
9. Thus, I accomplished far more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem—indeed, my wisdom stood by me.
10. I neither withheld anything from my eyes that they desired, nor did I deprive any pleasure from my heart. My heart rejoiced in all my toil, for this was my reward from all my toil.