Ecclesiastes by Solomon — Read

I said {to myself},[note: Literally "to my heart"] "Come! I will test[note: The MT reads "I will test you," but the BHS editors propose "I will test ..." Whether or not one adopts MT, Qohelet is speaking to himself] pleasure {to see whether it is worthwhile}."[note: Literally "and look at goodness"; this idiom refers to the enjoyment of life] But look, "This also [is] vanity!"

I said of laughter, "[It is] folly!" and of pleasure, "{What does it accomplish?}"[note: Literally "What does it give?"]