Translations
Modern
I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
Traditional
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.
Literal
I searched in my heart to draw out my flesh with wine, and my heart was guiding me in wisdom, and to lay hold on folly, until that I might see where is this good for the sons of man, that they might do under the heavens the number of the days of their lives.
Latin
Cogitavi in corde meo abstrahere a vino carnem meam, ut animam meam transferrem ad sapientiam, devitaremque stultitiam, donec viderem quid esset utile filiis hominum, quo facto opus est sub sole numero dierum vitæ suæ.
Original
Hebrew
English
I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
Notes
The Teacher realized that using wine to cheer himself was foolish, yet he did it while still seeking wisdom. He wanted to understand how to find happiness. This effort turned out to be pointless (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
the few days of their lives: All human experiences are like "a breath."
The Teacher says seeking pleasure for its own sake is empty. Even great achievements are like smoke.
The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.
Glossary
Topics
Epicureans: Doctrines Propagated By, Familiar to Solomon Investigation: General Scriptures Concerning Pleasure: Worldly Vanity: Worldly Enjoyment Is Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wisdom: Worldly Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning