5 I designed royal gardens and parks for myself,and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.
6 I constructed pools of water for myself,to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees.
7 I purchased male and female slaves,and I owned slaves who were born in my house;I also possessed more livestock – both herds and flocks – than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.
8 I also amassed silver and gold for myself,as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces.I acquired male singers and female singers for myself,and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines!
9 So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem,yet I maintained my objectivity:
10 I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted;I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure.So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort.
11 Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplishedand on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it,I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind!There is nothing gained from them on earth.”