1-3 I said to myself, “Let’s go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!” But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke.

What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane!
    My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it?
With the help of a bottle of wine
    and all the wisdom I could muster,
I tried my level best
    to penetrate the absurdity of life.
I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do
    during the years we spend on this earth.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message The Book of Proverbs
The Message The Book of Proverbs
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $4.19
Save: $0.80 (16%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover, Case of 24
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover, Case of 24
Retail: $479.76
Our Price: $379.99
Save: $99.77 (21%)
The Message Devotional Bible, Hardcover
The Message Devotional Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $6.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, softcover
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, softcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $6.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars