Ecclesiastes 2:1-5 New English Translation (NET)

1. I thought to myself,“Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.”But I found that it also is futile.

2. I said of partying, “It is folly,”and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!”

3. I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine(all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom)and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitablefor people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

4. I increased my possessions:I built houses for myself;I planted vineyards for myself.

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

Ecclesiastes 2