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Chapter 2 Pleasures Are Meaningless 1I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.2“Laughter,” I said, “is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?”3I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.4I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.5I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.6I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.7I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.8I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a haremThe meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. as well—the delights of the heart of man.9I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. 10I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; 11Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Topics: Jesus work labor materialism gold purpose on futility worldly pleasures amusements past focus dissatisfaction sensualism
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