1. I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless.
2. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?”
3. After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
4. I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards.
5. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees.
6. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves.
7. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me.
8. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!