Ecclesiastes 2:3
I explored in my heart how to gratify my desires with wine. I let my mind guide me with wisdom although I was still holding on to folly. I wanted to find out what is good for people to do under heaven during the days of their lives.
Unlocked Literal Bible
In The King James Version
In Context
2I said about laughter, “It is crazy,” and about pleasure, “What use is it?”
4I accomplished great things. I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.
Cross References
Genesis 47:9Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my travels are a hundred and thirty. The years of my life have been few and painful. They have not been as long as those of my ancestors.”
Job 14:14If a man dies, will he live again? 1 If so, I would wish to wait all my weary time there 1 until my release should come. 1
Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; 1 whoever is led astray by drink is not wise. 1
Proverbs 31:4It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, 1 or for rulers to crave strong drink, 1
Ecclesiastes 2:24There is nothing better for anyone than to simply eat and drink and be satisfied with what is good in his work. I saw that this truth comes from God's hand.
Ecclesiastes 6:12For who knows what is good for man in his life during his futile, numbered days through which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come under the sun after he passes?
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 →