1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.
Comment: Solomon tried every way that he could think of to enjoy himself. He lists them in detail, and I would have been ashamed to mention some of things he lists in his search for enjoyment! i) laughter – did he employ a ‘joker, a comedian’, or did he just foolishly laugh at serious situations? ii) alcohol – this is not only ‘mad’ but very dangerous! iii) working his guts out to get achievements. iv) beautiful parks and swimming and watering pools. v) slaves, huge flocks, unbelievable wealth, professional entertainment, unlimited sex, everything a man could possibly want! We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see what this brought into his life!
Prayer: Thank You that Your word indicates for us what leads to real success in life!
As I read it! 