1. I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!”
2. I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”
3. I also explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, I investigated folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for humans to do during the days of their lives.
4. I accomplished great things. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards.
5. I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted all sorts of fruit trees in them.