Ecclesiastes 2:1

In mine heart. That is, “to myself” (RSV). Here the rational part of Solomon’s mind addresses the part that represents physical desire and satisfaction. This soliloquy is equivalent to an act of the will. Compare the experience of the rich man of Luke 12:17-19 as he addresses himself.

Prove. That is, “make a test” or “experiment” to discover the results of a certain course of action.

Mirth. Or, “pleasure.” The Hebrew word is broad in meaning: “gladness,” “joy,” “gaiety” — all give pleasure to the physical senses. Its use here is confined to the emotions and appetites aroused by partaking of earthly pleasures, though elsewhere the word may denote religious joy and happiness.

Enjoy pleasure. Literally, “look at good,” that is, “have your fill of the good things of life.” A modern idiomatic equivalent would be, “have a good time.” Solomon proposed to quaff the pleasures the world has to offer to the point of satiety, in the endeavor to find lasting satisfaction in them.