Ecclesiastes 2:3-10

New International Version

³ I tried cheering myself with wine,^(A) and embracing folly^(B)—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.

⁴ I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself^(C) and planted vineyards.^{(D) 5} I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. ⁶ I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. ⁷ I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves^(E) who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. ⁸ I amassed silver and gold^(F) for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.^(G) I acquired male and female singers,^(H) and a harem^[a] as well—the delights of a man’s heart. ⁹ I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem^(I) before me.^(J) In all this my wisdom stayed with me.