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New International Version (NIV) |
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4 Oh, I did great things: built houses, planted vineyards,
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4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.
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5 designed gardens and parks and planted a variety of fruit trees in them,
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5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.
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6 made pools of water to irrigate the groves of trees.
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6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.
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7 I bought slaves, male and female, who had children, giving me even more slaves; then I acquired large herds and flocks, larger than any before me in Jerusalem.
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7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.
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8 I piled up silver and gold, loot from kings and kingdoms. I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song, and - most exquisite of all pleasures - voluptuous maidens for my bed.
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8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man.
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9 Oh, how I prospered! I left all my predecessors in Jerusalem far behind, left them behind in the dust. What's more, I kept a clear head through it all.
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9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.
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| Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. (The Message Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
