The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:9

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

So I was great (see on Ecclesiastes 1:16). This refers to the magnificence and extent of his possessions and luxury, as the former passage to the surpassing excellence of his wisdom. We may compare the mention of Abraham (Genesis 26:13), "The man waxed great, and grew more and more until he became very great" (sc.

Job 1:3). Also my wisdom remained with me; perseveravit mecum (Vulgate); ἐστάθη μοι. In accordance with the purpose mentioned in Ecclesiastes 2:3, he retained command of himself, studying philosophically the effects and nature of the pleasures of which he partook, and keeping ever in view the object of his pursuit.

Voluptuousness was not the end which he sought, but one of the means to obtain the end; and what he calls his wisdom is not pure Divine wisdom that comes from above, but an earthly prudence and self-restraint.

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