1. I said in my heart, “Come now, let me try you with rejoicing and find out what is good.” But see, that too was futile.
2. I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of rejoicing, “What does it do?”
3. I searched in my heart how to stimulate my body with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, until I could see what was good for the sons of men to do under the heavens all the days of their lives.
4. I made my works great, I built myself houses, I planted vineyards for myself.