7 I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children born in my house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem.
8 I also gathered to myself silver and gold—the royal and provincial treasuries. I acquired for myself male and female singers, as well as the delight of men, voluptuous concubines.
9 Thus, I accomplished far more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem—indeed, my wisdom stood by me.
10 I neither withheld anything from my eyes that they desired, nor did I deprive any pleasure from my heart. My heart rejoiced in all my toil, for this was my reward from all my toil.
11 Yet when I considered all the effort which I expended and the toil with which I toiled to do, then behold, “Everything is vanity and chasing wind! There is nothing profitable under the sun!”
12 Next, I considered wisdom, as well as delusion and folly. What can anyone do who will come after the king that has not already been done?
13 I realized that wisdom has an advantage over folly, just as light has an advantage over darkness.