Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun, and it weighs heavily on humanity: God 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. A 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. For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness. Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he. And if a person lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place? All of a person’s labor is for his stomach, , yet the appetite is never satisfied. What 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? Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. , Whatever 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. For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for mankind? For 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?
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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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