5 I had flower gardens and orchards full of fruit trees.
6 And I had pools where I could get water for the trees.
7 I owned slaves, and their sons and daughters became my slaves. I had more sheep and goats than anyone who had ever lived in Jerusalem.
8 Foreign rulers brought me silver, gold, and precious treasures. Men and women sang for me, and I had many wives who gave me great pleasure.
9 I was the most famous person who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and I was very wise.
10 I got whatever I wanted and did whatever made me happy. But most of all, I enjoyed my work.
11 Then I thought about everything I had done, including the hard work, and it was simply chasing the wind. Nothing on earth is worth the trouble.