Qoheleth’s actual test is related in this strongly autobiographical section that has striking parallels with the Solomonic narrative in 1 Kings. Verse 10 might give the impression that these verses express his later sober reflections on an earlier period of sensual excesses, but the emphasis is rather on the intentional and restrained nature of his investigation (2:3b: “my mind still guiding me with wisdom”; verse 9b: “In all this my wisdom stayed with me”). He begins by testing himself with “pleasure.” The NIV translates the same Hebrew word as “pleasure” in 2:2, 10 and 7:4, but as “happiness” in 2:26; “gladness” in 5:20; 9:7; and “enjoyment” in 8:15. He ultimately will see the “enjoyment” of life as something good. Here he simply notes that plea…