Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure;  enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile. I said about laughter,  “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish? ” I explored with my mind the pull of wine  on my body #— #my mind still guiding me with wisdom — and how to grasp folly,  until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven  during the few days of their lives.  I increased my achievements. I built houses  and planted vineyards  for myself. I made gardens  and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.  I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house.  I also owned livestock #— #large herds and flocks #— #more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.  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.  , So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem;  my wisdom also remained with me. 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.  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.