For there is no [more] lasting remembrance of the wise man than of the fool, since in the days to come all will be long forgotten. And how does the wise man die? Even as the fool! So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun caused me only great sorrow; because all is futility and chasing after the wind. So I hated all the fruit (gain) of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will succeed me. [Ps 49:10] And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity (futility, self-conceit). So I turned aside and let my heart despair over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. For there is a man who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, yet gives his legacy to one who has not labored for it. This too is vanity and a great evil. For what does a man get from all his labor and from the striving and sorrow of his heart with which he labors under the sun? For all his days his work is painful and sorrowful; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity (worthless). There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and assure himself that there is good in his labor. Even this, I have seen, is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to the person who pleases Him God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who pleases God. This too is vanity and chasing after the wind.
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Compare All Versions: Ecclesiastes 2:16-26
5 Days
Life "under the sun" can feel empty, chaotic, and uncertain. Solomon wrestled with these realities in Ecclesiastes, confronting the futility of earthly pursuits and the fleeting nature of life. Yet, his reflections point us beyond despair to a life of Kingdom-centered purpose. This 5-day devotional explores key lessons from Ecclesiastes, pairing them with the hope found in Christ. Each day invites you to shift your focus from temporary things to eternal truths, embrace God's wisdom, and gain the objectivity to live for His glory.
7 Days
The Bible's all about the meaning of life. But in the middle of it is a book about the apparent meaninglessness of life. Did Solomon really think that life was completely meaningless? In the midst of everything that Solomon describes as meaningless in life, find out what true meaning is in life, even in these first two chapters in Ecclesiastes.
Most men have experienced times of great frustration and disappointment because they feel like they are lacking something in their lives, or that others have more. So, how do we find our way to true contentment and satisfaction, regardless of our circumstances? Join us in this 7-day devotional for men, written by Tim Bergmann of Alliance Community Church in Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
12 Days
God created us to find meaning in our lives. But we live in a broken world where we’re continually frustrated in our search. So, what’s the point of living life? This is the question the Teacher in Ecclesiastes is asking. At first, the message of this wisdom book seems to lead to despair, but in fact points to the hope of life found in God alone.
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