Futility of Materialism

4 I increased my possessions:

I built houses for myself;

I planted vineyards for myself.

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 accomplished

and 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.”