To give myself unto wine; to relax and gratify my flesh with delicious meats and drinks, synecdochically expressed by wine here, as also Proverbs 9:2 Song of Solomon 2:4, &c., as necessary food is by bread, Amos 7:12, compared with Amos 8:2. Yet acquainting my heart with wisdom; yet resolving to use my wisdom; either,
1. To set bounds to my pleasures. Or rather,
2. That I might try whether I could not arrive at satisfaction, by mixing wine and wisdom together, by using wine to sweeten and allay the toils of wisdom, and wisdom to prevent that destruction which many bring upon themselves by intemperate pleasures whilst they seek for satisfaction, that so I might have the comfort without the danger and mischief of pleasures. To lay hold on folly; to pursue and addict myself to carnal pleasures, which was my folly. Till I might see, & c.; till by trying several methods I might find out the true way to contentment and satisfaction, during this mortal life.