World English Bible
"I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?""
— Ecclesiastes 2:2, World English Bible
“I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?”
“I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it? ”
“I said of partying,“It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure,“It accomplishes nothing!””
“Laughter I counted error: and to mirth I said: Why art thou vainly deceived?”
“Of laughing I said, It is foolish; and of joy--What use is it?”
“I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?”
I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity.
I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"
I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.
I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.
I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.