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An unnamed man studies a wine cup while musicians remain softly out of focus behind him.
Artwork is an interpretation. Scripture is quoted from the People's Open Bible.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

Testing Pleasure

Pleasure, Labor, and What Remains · Ecclesiastes 2

Story guide: Interpretive visual essay. Anonymous figures and settings illustrate this passage; they are not identified historical people.

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1I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; so enjoy what is good.” But look, this too is vapor.

2I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does this accomplish?”

3I explored in my heart how to cheer my body with wine, while my heart was guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what was good for people to do under heaven during their numbered days.

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