Ecclesiastes 2:2-10 in English

² I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it?

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;

⁵ I made me gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit;

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared;

⁷ I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces; I gat me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, musical instruments, and that 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.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor; and this was my portion from all my labor.

² I said to laughter, Madness: and to mirth, Why doest thou this?

³ And I examined whether my heart would excite my flesh as with wine, (though my heart guided me in wisdom,) and I desired to lay hold of mirth, until I should see of what kind is the good to the sons of men, which they should do under the sun all the days of their life.

⁴ I enlarged my work; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards.

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and planted in them every kind of fruit-tree.

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water from them the timber-bearing wood.

⁷ I got servants and maidens, and servants were born to me in the house: also I had abundant possession of flocks and herds, beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ Moreover I collected for myself both silver and gold also, and the peculiar treasures of kings and provinces: I procured me singing men and singing women, and delights of the sons of men, a butler and female cupbearers.

⁹ So I became great, and advanced beyond all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom was established to me.

¹⁰ And whatever mine eyes desired, I withheld not from them, I withheld not my heart from all my mirth: for my heart rejoiced in all my labour; and this was my portion of all my labour.

² I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

³ I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

⁷ I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that 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.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

² I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

³ I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

⁷ I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that 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.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

² I said to laughter, Madness: and to mirth, Why do you this:

³ And I examined whether my heart would excite my flesh as with wine, (though my heart guided me in wisdom,) and I desired to lay hold of mirth, until I should see of what kind is the good to the sons of men, which they should do under the sun all the days of their life.

⁴ I enlarged my work; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards.

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and planted in them every kind of fruit tree.

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water from them the timber-bearing wood.

⁷ I got servants and maidens, and servants were born to me in the house: also I had abundant possession of flocks and herds, beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ Moreover I collected for myself both silver and gold also, and the peculiar treasures of kings and provinces: I procured me singing men and singing women, and delights of the sons of men, a butler and female cupbearers.

⁹ So I became great, and advanced beyond all that were before in Jerusalem: also my wisdom was established to me.

¹⁰ And whatever my eyes desired, I withheld not from them, I withheld not my heart from all my mirth: for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my portion of all my labor.

² I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

³ I searched in mine heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, mine heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;

⁵ I made me gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit:

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared:

⁷ I bought menservants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem:

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, concubines very many.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them: I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour; and this was my portion from all my labour.

² So I said to myself, “It is foolish to laugh all the time, and continually doing what I enjoy does not seem to bring any lasting benefit.”

³ So, after thinking a lot about it, I decided to ◄cheer myself/cause myself to be happy► by drinking a lot of wine. So while I was still trying to be wise, I decided to do things that many people do to be happy during the short time that they are alive on the earth.

⁴ I did great things: I caused houses to be built for myself and vineyards to be planted.

⁵ I told my workers to make gardens and parks. Then I told them to fill the gardens with many kinds of fruit trees.

⁶ I told them to build reservoirs to store water to irrigate the fruit trees.

⁷ I bought male and female slaves, and babies who later became my slaves were born in my palace. I also owned more livestock than any of the previous kings in Jerusalem had owned.

⁸ I also accumulated large amounts of silver and gold that were paid to me from the treasures of kings and rulers of provinces. I hired men and women to sing for me, and I had many ◄concubines/slave wives► who gave me much pleasure EUP.

⁹ So, I became greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and I was very wise.

¹⁰ I got everything LIT that I SYN saw and wanted. I did everything LIT that I thought would enable me to be happy. All those things that I SYN enjoyed were like a reward for all my hard work.

² I said to laughter, Madness: and to mirth, Why do you this:

³ And I examined whether my heart would excite my flesh as with wine, (though my heart guided me in wisdom,) and I desired to lay hold of mirth, until I should see of what kind is the good to the sons of men, which they should do under the sun all the days of their life.

⁴ I enlarged my work; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards.

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and planted in them every kind of fruit tree.

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water from them the timber-bearing wood.

⁷ I got servants and maidens, and servants were born to me in the house: also I had abundant possession of flocks and herds, beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ Moreover I collected for myself both silver and gold also, and the peculiar treasures of kings and provinces: I procured me singing men and singing women, and delights of the sons of men, a butler and female cupbearers.

⁹ So I became great, and advanced beyond all that were before in Jerusalem: also my wisdom was established to me.

¹⁰ And whatever my eyes desired, I withheld not from them, I withheld not my heart from all my mirth: for my heart rejoiced in all my labour; and this was my portion of all my labour.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this was my portion from all my labour.

² Of laughing I said, It is foolish; and of joy — What use is it?

³ I made a search with my heart to give pleasure to my flesh with wine, still guiding my heart with wisdom, and to go after foolish things, so that I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under the heavens all the days of their life.

⁴ I undertook great works, building myself houses and planting vine-gardens.

⁵ I made myself gardens and fruit gardens, planting in them fruit-trees of all sorts.

⁶ I made pools to give water for the woods with their young trees.

⁷ I got men-servants and women-servants, and they gave birth to sons and daughters in my house. I had great wealth of herds and flocks, more than all who were in Jerusalem before me.

⁸ I got together silver and gold and the wealth of kings and of countries. I got makers of song, male and female; and the delights of the sons of men — girls of all sorts to be my brides.

⁹ And I became great; increasing more than all who had been before me in Jerusalem, and my wisdom was still with me.

¹⁰ And nothing which was desired by my eyes did I keep from them; I did not keep any joy from my heart, because my heart took pleasure in all my work, and this was my reward.

² I said of laughter, Madness! and of mirth, What availeth it?

³ I searched in my heart how to cherish my flesh with wine, while practising my heart with wisdom; and how to lay hold on folly, till I should see what was that good for the children of men which they should do under the heavens all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;

⁵ I made me gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of every kind of fruit;

⁶ I made me ponds of water, to water therewith the wood, where the trees are reared.

⁷ I acquired servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that had been in Jerusalem before me.

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces; I got me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the children of men, a wife and concubines.

⁹ And I became great, and increased more than all that had been before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them: I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour, and this was my portion from all my labour.

² Laughter I counted error: and to mirth I said: Why art thou vainly deceived?

³ I thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I might turn my mind to wisdom, and might avoid folly, till I might see what was profitable for the children of men: and what they ought to do under the sun, all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works, I built me houses, and planted vineyards,

⁵ I made gardens, and orchards, and set them with trees of all kinds,

⁶ And I made me ponds of water, to water therewith the wood of the young trees,

⁷ I got me menservants, and maidservants, and had a great family: and herds of oxen, and great flocks of sheep, above all that were before me in Jerusalem:

⁸ I heaped together for myself silver and gold, and the wealth of kings, and provinces: I made me singing men, and singing women, and the delights of the sons of men, cups and vessels to serve to pour out wine:

⁹ And I surpassed in riches all that were before me in Jerusalem: my wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ And whatsoever my eyes desired, I refused them not: and I withheld not my heart from enjoying every pleasure, and delighting itself in the things which I had prepared: and esteemed this my portion, to make use of my own labour.

² I conclude that laughing your way through life is stupid, and pleasure—what use is that?

³ Then I used my mind to examine the attraction of wine to my body. My mind still guiding me with wisdom, I took it until I acted like a fool, so that I might see whether this was good for people to do during their time here.

⁴ Then I tried great construction projects. I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.

⁵ I made for myself gardens and parks, planting them with all kinds of fruit trees.

⁶ I constructed for myself reservoirs to water all these growing trees.

⁷ I bought male and female slaves, and their children also belonged to me. I also owned many herds and flocks, more than anyone in Jerusalem before me.

⁸ I collected for myself great quantities of silver and gold, paid to me as tribute by kings and provinces. I brought in for myself male and female singers, and enjoyed many concubines—all a man could want!

⁹ I became great—greater than anyone in Jerusalem before me. All the while my wisdom stayed with me.

¹⁰ I didn't stop myself trying anything I wanted. Whatever I felt like enjoying, I did. I even enjoyed everything I had accomplished, a reward for all my work.

² I saide of laughter, Thou art mad: and of ioy, What is this that thou doest?

³ I sought in mine heart to giue my selfe to wine, and to leade mine heart in wisdome, and to take holde of follie, till I might see where is that goodnesse of the children of men, which they enioy vnder the sunne: the whole nomber of the dayes of their life.

⁴ I haue made my great workes: I haue built me houses: I haue planted me vineyards.

⁵ I haue made me gardens and orchards, and planted in them trees of all fruite.

⁶ I haue made me cisternes of water, to water therewith the woods that growe with trees.

⁷ I haue gotten seruants and maides, and had children borne in the house: also I had great possession of beeues and sheepe aboue all that were before me in Ierusalem.

⁸ I haue gathered vnto me also siluer and gold, and the chiefe treasures of Kings and prouinces: I haue prouided me men singers and women singers, and the delites of the sonnes of men, as a woman taken captiue, and women taken captiues.

⁹ And I was great, and increased aboue all that were before me in Ierusalem: also my wisedome remained with me.

¹⁰ And whatsoeuer mine eyes desired, I withheld it not from them: I withdrew not mine heart from any ioy: for mine heart reioyced in al my labour: and this was my portion of all my trauaile.

² I said of laughter: 'It is mad'; and of mirth: 'What doth it accomplish?'

³ I searched in my heart how to pamper my flesh with wine, and, my heart conducting itself with wisdom, how yet to lay hold on folly, till I might see which it was best for the sons of men that they should do under the heaven the few days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;

⁵ I made me gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit;

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the wood springing up with trees;

⁷ I acquired men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and treasure such as kings and the provinces have as their own; I got me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, women very many.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem; also my wisdom stood me in stead.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart had joy of all my labour; and this was my portion from all my labour.

² I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

³ I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, (yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom) and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

⁷ I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that 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.

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

² Of laughter I said, It maketh one mad: and of joy, What doth this do?

³ I resolved in my heart to indulge my body with wine, while my heart guideth itself with wisdom; and to lay fast hold on folly, till I might see what it is that is good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heavens during the number of the days of their life.

⁴ I made great works: I built myself houses; I planted myself vineyards;

⁵ I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted therein trees of all kinds of fruit;

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water therewith the forest overgrown with trees;

⁷ I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and I had likewise those born in my house; I had also great possessions of cattle and flocks above all that had been before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I gathered unto myself also silver and gold, and the choice treasures of kings and of the provinces: I procured myself male singers and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men, wagons and chariots.

⁹ So was I great, and obtained more than all that had been before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

¹⁰ And whatsoever my eyes desired I refused them not; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart was rejoiced with all my toil, and this was my portion of all my toil.

² I said to laughter, Madness: And to mirth, Why doest thou this?

³ And I examined whether my heart Would excite my flesh as with wine (Though my heart guided me in wisdom), And I desired to lay hold of mirth, Until I should see of what kind is the good to the sons of men, Which they should do under the sun All the days of their life.

⁴ I enlarged my work; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards.

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, And planted in them every kind of fruit tree.

⁶ I made me pools of water, To water from them the timber-bearing wood.

⁷ I got servants and maidens, And servants were born to me in the house: Also I had abundant possession of flocks and herds, Beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ Moreover I collected for myself both silver and gold also, And the peculiar treasures of kings and provinces: I procured me singing men and singing women, And delights of the sons of men, A butler and female cupbearers.

⁹ So I became great, And advanced beyond all That were before me in Jerusalem: Also my wisdom was established to me.

¹⁰ And whatever mine eyes desired, I withheld not from them, I withheld not my heart From all my mirth: For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my portion Of all my labor.

² I said of laughter, “It is mad;” and of mirth, “What availeth it?”

³ I thought in my heart to strengthen my body with wine, and, while my heart cleaved to wisdom, to lay hold on folly, till I should see what was good for the sons of men, which they should do under heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works. I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards.

⁵ I made me gardens and parks, and planted in them fruit-trees of every kind.

⁶ I made me pools of water, with which to water the grove shooting up trees.

⁷ I got me men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than all who were in Jerusalem before me.

⁸ I heaped me up also silver and gold, and the wealth of kings and of provinces. I got me men-singers and women-singers, and the delight of the sons of men, a chosen woman and chosen women.

⁹ So I became greater than all that were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ And whatever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy. For my heart rejoiced by means of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

² I said about laughter, “It is crazy,” and about pleasure, “What use is it?”

³ I explored in my heart how to gratify my desires with wine. I let my mind guide me with wisdom although I was still holding on to folly. I wanted to find out what is good for people to do under heaven during the days of their lives.

⁴ I accomplished great things. I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.

⁵ I built for myself gardens and parks; I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

⁶ I created pools of water to water a forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I purchased male slaves and female slaves; I had slaves born in my palace. I also had large herds and flocks of livestock, much more than any king who ruled before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also accumulated for myself silver and gold, the treasures of kings and provinces. I got male and female singers for myself—the delights of the children of humanity—and many concubines.

⁹ So I became greater and wealthier than all who were before me in Jerusalem, and my wisdom remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I did not withhold from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, because my heart rejoiced in all my labor and pleasure was my reward for all my work.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this was my portion from all my labour.

² I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

³ I sought in my heart, to give myself to wine, yet acquainting my heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

⁴ I made me great works; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards:

⁵ I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

⁶ I made me pools of water, to water with them the wood that bringeth forth trees:

⁷ I procured me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

⁸ I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings, and of the provinces: I procured me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and 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.

¹⁰ And whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

² I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

³ I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

⁴ I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

⁶ I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown.

⁷ I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts.

⁹ So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this was my portion from all my labour.

² And laughing I areckoned error, and I said to joy, What art thou, deceived in vain?

³ I thought in mine heart to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I should lead over my soul to wisdom, and that I would eschew folly, till I should see, what were profitable to the sons of men; in which deed the number of days of their life under the sun is needful.

⁴ I magnified, either made great, my works, I builded houses to me, and I planted vines;

⁵ I made yards or gardens and orchards, and I set those with trees of all kinds;

⁶ and I made cisterns of waters, for to water the wood of the trees growing.

⁷ I had in possession servants and handmaids; and I had much meine, and droves of great beasts, and great flocks of sheep, over all men that were before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I gathered together to me silver and gold, and the castles of kings and of provinces; I made to me singers and singeresses, and the delights of the sons of men, and cups and vessels in service, to pour out wines;

⁹ and I passed in riches all men that were before me in Jerusalem. Also wisdom dwelled stably with me,

¹⁰ and all things which mine eyes desired, I denied not to them; neither I refrained mine heart, that not it used all lust, and delighted itself in these things which I had made ready; and I deemed this my part, if I used my travail.

² And laughing I areckoned error, and I said to joy, What art thou, deceived in vain? (And I reckoned laughter as but error, and I said to joy, Of what value art thou?)

³ I thought in mine heart to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I should lead over my soul to wisdom, and that I would eschew folly, till I should see, what were profitable to the sons of men; in which deed the number of days of their life under the sun is needful. (I thought in my heart to withdraw my flesh from wine, so that I could lead over my soul unto wisdom, and so that I would eschew foolishness, until I could see, what was profitable to the sons and daughters of men; yea, which deeds, or works, be useful, or meaningful, all the days of their lives under the sun.)

⁴ I magnified, either made great, my works, I builded houses to me (or I built houses for myself), and I planted vines;

⁵ I made yards and orchards, and I set those with trees of all kind(s);

⁶ and I made cisterns of waters, for to water the wood of the trees growing. (and I made water cisterns, to water the trees growing in the woods, or in the groves.)

⁷ I had in possession servants and handmaids; and I had much household, and droves of great beasts, and great flocks of sheep, over all men that were before me in Jerusalem. (I had in possession servants and servantesses or male and female slaves; and I had many slaves born in my house, and herds of great beasts, and great flocks of sheep, yea, more than all those who came before me in Jerusalem.)

⁸ I gathered together to me silver and gold, and the castles of kings and of provinces; I made to me singers and singeresses, and the delights of the sons of men, and cups and vessels in service, to pour out wines; (I gathered together for myself silver and gold, from the castles of kings and out of the provinces; I got singers and singeresses for myself, and enjoyed all the delights of the sons and daughters of men, yea, with cups and vessels for service, to pour the wine into;)

⁹ and I passed in riches all men that were before me in Jerusalem. Also wisdom dwelled stably with me, (and I surpassed in wealth all those who came before me in Jerusalem. And wisdom dwelled steadfastly with me,)

¹⁰ and all things which mine eyes desired, I denied not to them; neither I refrained mine heart, that not it used all lust, and delighted itself in these things which I had made ready; and I deemed this my part, if I used my travail. (and anything which my eyes desired, I did not deny them; nor did I refrain my heart from anything it desired, and it delighted itself in those things which I had prepared for it; and I judged this my portion, for all my labour.)

² Of laughter I said, 'Foolish!' and of mirth, 'What is this it is doing?'

³ I have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite, (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly till that I see where is this — the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives.

⁴ I made great my works, I builded for me houses, I planted for me vineyards.

⁵ I made for me gardens and paradises, and I planted in them trees of every fruit.

⁶ I made for me pools of water, to water from them a forest shooting forth trees.

⁷ I got men-servants, and maid-servants, and sons of the house were to me; also, I had much substance — herd and flock — above all who had been before me in Jerusalem.

⁸ I gathered for me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces. I prepared for me men-singers and women-singers, and the luxuries of the sons of man — a wife and wives.

⁹ And I became great, and increased above every one who had been before me in Jerusalem; also, my wisdom stood with me.

¹⁰ And all that mine eyes asked I kept not back from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this hath been my portion, from all my labour,