I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man
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Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied. What advantage have the wise over fools? What do the poor gain by knowing how to conduct themselves before others? Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Whatever exists has already been named, and what humanity is has been known; no one can contend with someone who is stronger. The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
Compare All Versions: Ecclesiastes 6:1-5, 7-11
31 Days
This is the fifteenth installment of our Bible reading plan, following a lectionary-style pattern with daily readings from the Psalms, Old Testament, and New Testament. Each day includes a devotional primer to guide your time in God’s Word. This month’s theme is purpose. In Ecclesiastes, we question what truly matters. Song of Songs reveals the purpose of love and relationships. Paul’s letters call us to live with clarity, identity, and mission in Christ. Together, these books invite us to discover God’s purpose—and how it shapes every part of our lives.
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