Ecclesiastes 2:3
I made a search with my heart to give pleasure to my flesh with wine, still guiding my heart with wisdom, and to go after foolish things, so that I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under the heavens all the days of their life.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
In Context
2Of laughing I said, It is foolish; and of joy--What use is it?
4I undertook great works, building myself houses and planting vine-gardens.
Cross References
Genesis 47:9And Jacob said, The years of my wanderings have been a hundred and thirty; small in number and full of sorrow have been the years of my life, and less than the years of the wanderings of my fathers.
Job 14:14If death takes a man, will he come to life again? All the days of my trouble I would be waiting, till the time came for me to be free.
Proverbs 20:1Wine makes men foolish, and strong drink makes men come to blows; and whoever comes into error through these is not wise.
Proverbs 31:4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to take wine, or for rulers to say, Where is strong drink?
Ecclesiastes 2:24There is nothing better for a man than taking meat and drink, and having delight in his work. This again I saw was from the hand of God.
Ecclesiastes 6:12Who is able to say what is good for man in life all the days of his foolish life which he goes through like a shade? who will say what is to be after him under the sun?
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:2-12
Vanity of Worldly Pleasure. 1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. 2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? 3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. 4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me… Read the whole commentary →