NET Bible
"So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem, yet I maintained my objectivity:"
— Ecclesiastes 2:9, NET Bible
“So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.”
“So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. ”
“So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.”
“And I surpassed in riches all that were before me in Jerusalem: my wisdom also remained with me.”
“And I became great; increasing more than all who had been before me in Jerusalem, and my wisdom was still with me.”
“So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.”
I constructed pools of water for myself, to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees.
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.
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!
So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem, yet I maintained my objectivity:
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.
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.”
Wisdom is Better than Folly Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas. For what more can the king’s successor do than what the king has already done?