Ecclesiastes 6
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Christian Standard BibleNET Bible
1Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun, and it weighs heavily on humanity:1Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth, and it weighs heavily on people:
2God gives a person riches, wealth, and honor so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy.2God gives a man riches, property, and wealth so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires, yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor--instead, someone else enjoys it! This is fruitless and a grave misfortune.
3A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives, if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.3Even if a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years--even if he lives a long, long time, but cannot enjoy his prosperity--even if he were to live forever--I would say, "A stillborn child is better off than he is!"
4For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness.4Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness,
5Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he.5though it never saw the light of day nor knew anything, yet it has more rest than that man--
6And if a person lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?6if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die!
7All of a person's labor is for his stomach, yet the appetite is never satisfied.7All of man's labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach--yet his appetite is never satisfied!
8What advantage then does the wise person have over the fool? What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others?8So what advantage does a wise man have over a fool? And what advantage does a pauper gain by knowing how to survive?
9Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.9It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile--like chasing the wind.
10Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he.10Whatever has happened was foreordained, and what happens to a person was also foreknown. It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate because God is more powerful than he is.
11For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for mankind?11The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him?
12For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?12For no one knows what is best for a person during his life--during the few days of his fleeting life--for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.
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Ecclesiastes 5
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