Ecc 2:1-11 | JFB | STEP | . He next tries pleasure and luxury, retaining however, his worldly "wisdom" ( ), but all proves "vanity" in respect to the chief good. 1. I said ... heart-- ( ). thee-- my heart, I will test whether thou canst find that solid good in pleasure which was not in "worldly wisdom." But this also proves to be "vanity" ( ).

‏ Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

CHAPTER 2

He next tries pleasure and luxury, retaining however, his worldly "wisdom" (Ec 3:9), but all proves "vanity" in respect to the chief good.

1. I said ... heart--(Lu 12:19).

thee--my heart, I will test whether thou canst find that solid good in pleasure which was not in "worldly wisdom." But this also proves to be "vanity" (Is 50:11).

2. laughter--including prosperity, and joy in general (Job 8:21).

mad--that is, when made the chief good; it is harmless in its proper place.

What doeth it?--Of what avail is it in giving solid good? (Ec 7:6; Pr 14:13).

3-11. Illustration more at large of Ec 2:1, 2.

I sought--I resolved, after search into many plans.

give myself unto wine--literally, "to draw my flesh," or "body to wine" (including all banquetings). Image from a captive drawn after a chariot in triumph (Ro 6:16, 19; 1Co 12:2); or, one "allured" (2Pe 2:18, 19).

yet acquainting ... wisdom--literally, "and my heart (still) was behaving, or guiding itself," with wisdom [Gesenius]. Maurer translates: "was weary of (worldly) wisdom." But the end of Ec 2:9 confirms English Version.

folly--namely, pleasures of the flesh, termed "mad," Ec 2:2.

all the days, &c.--(See Margin and Ec 6:12; Job 15:20).