Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:3-11

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).