1. I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
2. I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What use is it?
3. I sought in my heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting my heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men, which they should do under heaven all the days of their life.
4. I made myself great works; I built houses; I planted vineyards:
5. I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them with all kind of fruit:
6. I made myself pools of water, with which to water the forest that brings forth trees:
7. I got myself male and female servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle more than all that were in Jerusalem before me:
8. I gathered for myself also silver and gold, and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces: I got men singers and women singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all sorts.
9. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.