Ecclesiastes 2:3

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.

I sought {H8446} in mine heart {H3820} to give {H4900} myself {H1320} unto wine {H3196}, yet acquainting {H5090} mine heart {H3820} with wisdom {H2451}; and to lay hold {H270} on folly {H5531}, till I might see {H7200} what was that good {H2896} for the sons {H1121} of men {H120}, which they should do {H6213} under the heaven {H8064} all {H4557} the days {H3117} of their life {H2416}.

I searched my mind for how to gratify my body with wine and, with my mind still guiding me with wisdom, how to pursue foolishness; my object was to find out what was the best thing for people to do during the short time they have under heaven to live.

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.

I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.

Ecclesiastes 2:3 finds the Preacher, traditionally identified as King Solomon, embarking on a deliberate and controlled experiment to discover the true meaning and purpose of human life. Having explored the pursuit of knowledge in the previous chapter, he now turns his attention to the realm of pleasure and folly.

Context

This verse is part of Solomon's comprehensive investigation into what brings lasting satisfaction "under the heaven" (or "under the sun"), a recurring phrase throughout Ecclesiastes that denotes the earthly realm apart from divine revelation. As a king of immense wealth, wisdom, and power, Solomon had unparalleled resources to pursue any avenue he chose. This quest follows the Preacher's initial declaration of all being vanity, setting the stage for a personal, systematic exploration of life's various pursuits.

Key Themes

  • The Search for Ultimate Good: The central question driving Solomon's experiment is to find "what was that good for the sons of men," signifying the ultimate purpose or lasting benefit for humanity in their earthly existence.
  • Controlled Experimentation: Crucially, this is not reckless indulgence. Solomon states he sought to give himself to wine and folly "yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom." This indicates a deliberate, analytical approach, observing the effects of pleasure and irrationality through the lens of a discerning mind. He was a participant-observer.
  • The Role of Wisdom: Wisdom acts as a guiding principle, preventing total abandonment to depravity. It implies that true understanding comes not from blind experience, but from thoughtful reflection on that experience. This careful balance underscores the value of wisdom as the principal thing.
  • Exploration of Pleasure and Folly: "Wine" here symbolizes sensual pleasure and revelry, while "folly" represents irrational or meaningless pursuits. Solomon delves into these areas to see if they hold the key to lasting contentment.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "wine," yayin (יַיִן), can represent both joy and excess. Here, it points to the pursuit of sensual gratification.
  • "Folly," siklût (סִכְלוּת), refers to foolishness, madness, or pursuits lacking ultimate purpose. It's not merely ignorance, but a deliberate turning away from wisdom.
  • The phrase "acquainting mine heart with wisdom" (לִנְהוֹג בַּחׇכְמָה) implies guiding or leading his heart *with* wisdom, even as he ventures into areas that might seem contrary to it. It's a strategic embrace of controlled observation.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:3 resonates deeply with the human condition across all ages. Many today still seek meaning and purpose in fleeting pleasures, material possessions, or reckless pursuits, hoping to find satisfaction "under the heaven." Solomon's experiment serves as a profound lesson:

  • The Limitations of Earthly Pursuits: This verse highlights humanity's persistent quest for happiness and meaning in temporary things. It foreshadows the Preacher's ultimate conclusion that such pursuits, without a divine perspective, are ultimately unsatisfying.
  • The Need for Discernment: Even when exploring life's various avenues, maintaining a foundation of wisdom and discernment is crucial. Blind indulgence rarely leads to understanding; it often leads to regret.
  • True Fulfillment: Ultimately, the Preacher's journey will lead to the conclusion that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments, finding true purpose beyond the transient "under the heaven." This verse thus sets the stage for a profound spiritual revelation about where true meaning lies.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 20:1

    ¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:17

    And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:12

    For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

  • Ephesians 5:18

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • Proverbs 31:4

    [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

  • Proverbs 31:5

    Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

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