1 I said in my heart: "I will go forth and overflow with delights, and I will enjoy good things." And I saw that this, too, is emptiness.
2 Laughter, I considered an error. And to rejoicing, I said: "Why are you being deceived, to no purpose?"
3 I decided in my heart to withdraw my flesh from wine, so that I might bring my mind to wisdom, and turn away from foolishness, until I see what is useful for the sons of men, and what they ought to do under the sun, during the number of the days of their life.
4 I magnified my works. I built houses for myself, and I planted vineyards.