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.
Read Ecclesiastes 2
Listen to Ecclesiastes 2
Share
Compare All Versions: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
5 Days
God wants to set you free from pornography addiction. When I was addicted to pornography, and at the lowest point in my life, Jesus showed me the true power of what He did on the cross. His grace and love set me free. Be encouraged by my story, and find freedom from pornography today.
7 Days
In a world that can seem meaningless at times—especially in midlife—God offers perspective that anchors us, renews us, and propels us into fulfillment, mission, and service. Drawing on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, HOPE International President Peter Greer and Willowdale Chapel Senior Pastor Greg Lafferty offer insight for fresh clarity and purpose. This plan is based on 40/40 Vision by Peter Greer and Greg Lafferty. Learn more at www.ivpress.com/40-40-vision.
The Bible's all about the meaning of life. But in the middle of it is a book about the apparent meaninglessness of life. Did Solomon really think that life was completely meaningless? In the midst of everything that Solomon describes as meaningless in life, find out what true meaning is in life, even in these first two chapters in Ecclesiastes.
12 Days
God created us to find meaning in our lives. But we live in a broken world where we’re continually frustrated in our search. So, what’s the point of living life? This is the question the Teacher in Ecclesiastes is asking. At first, the message of this wisdom book seems to lead to despair, but in fact points to the hope of life found in God alone.
Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!
Home
Bible
Plans
Videos