Ecclesiastes 2:3

“I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, etc.] Not in an immoderate way, so as to intoxicate himself with it, in which there can be no pleasure, nor any show of happiness; but in a moderate, yet liberal way, so as to be innocently cheerful and pleasant, and hereby try what good and happiness were to be possessed in this way. By “wine” is meant, not that only, but everything eatable and drinkable that is good; it signifies what is called good living, good eating and drinking: Solomon always lived well; was brought up as a prince, and, when he came to the throne, lived like a king; but being increased in riches, and willing to make trial of the good that was in all the creatures of…”

“Illustration more at large of Ecc 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 (Rom 6:16, Rom 6:19; Co1 12:2); or, one "allured" (Pe2 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 Ecc 2:9 confirms English Version. folly--namely, pleasures of the flesh, termed "mad," Ecc 2:2. all the days, &c.--(See Margin and Ecc 6:12; Job 15:20).”

“I sought ... - Rather, I resolved (literally “I turned in my heart”) to draw my flesh with wine (see the margin), my heart guiding me with wisdom. In the course of his attempt to answer the question of Ecclesiastes 1:3, while his heart was directing him (as a charioteer directs his horses or a shepherd his sheep) with wisdom, and while he was following that guidance, he determined to draw with him his flesh by wine, thus making his flesh, which he speaks of as distinct from himself (compare Romans 7:25), a confederate and subsidiary in his attempt. return to 'Top of Page'”

“To wine - To gratify myself with delicious meats and drinks. Yet - Yet resolving to use my wisdom, that I might try whether I could not arrive at satisfaction, by mixing wine and wisdom together. To lay hold - To pursue sensual pleasures, which was my folly. 'Till - 'Till I might find out the true way to contentment and satisfaction, during this mortal life. Ecclesiastes 2:6”

“2:3 The Teacher understood that trying to cheer himself with wine was foolishness, but he did it while still seeking wisdom—i.e., during his attempt to understand how to experience . . . happiness. This proved to be empty (2:11). • brief life in this world: The totality of human experience is “a breath.””

“sought: Ecc 1:17; Sa1 25:36 give myself unto wine: Heb. draw my flesh with wine yet: Pro 20:1, Pro 31:4, Pro 31:5; Eph 5:18 and to lay: Ecc 7:18; Pro 20:1, Pro 23:29-35; Mat 6:24; Co2 6:15-17 till: Ecc 6:12, Ecc 12:13 all: Heb. the number of, Gen 47:9; Job 14:14; Psa 90:9-12 Ecclesiastes 2:4”

“"I searched in my heart, (henceforth) to nourish my body with wine, while my heart had the direction by means of wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the children of men that they should do, all the number of the days of their life." After he became conscious that unbridled sensual intoxication does not lead to the wished-for end, he looked around him farther, and examined into the following reception for happiness. Inappropriately, Zckl., with Hengst.: "I essayed in my heart to nourish ...." תּוּר does not mean probare, but explorare, to spy out, Num 10:33, and frequently in the Book of Koheleth (here and at Ecc 1:13; Ecc 7:25) of mental searching and…”