BSB · Scripture
Ecclesiastes 6
Berean Standard Bible
Section headings and translator notes come from the publisher; they are reading aids, distinct from the Bible text.
The Futility of Life
Verse1There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind:
Verse2God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.
Verse3A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
Verse4For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.
Verse5The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man,
Verse6even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
Verse7All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
Verse8What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others?
Verse9Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Verse10Whatever exists was named long ago, and it is known what man is; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.
Verse11For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?
Verse12For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?
Translator notes (1)
- Verse 7: Hebrew filled