Ecclesiastes 6

1Here is a tragedy I have observed under the sun, a and it weighs heavily on humanity:
Or it is common among men
2 God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor c so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, d but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy. 3A man may father a hundred children and live many years. No matter how long he lives,
Lit how many years
if he is not satisfied by good things and does not even have a proper burial, f I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. g
4 For he comes in futility and he goes in darkness, and his name is shrouded in darkness. 5 Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he. 6And if he lives a thousand years twice, but does not experience happiness, do not both go to the same place?

7 All man’s labor is for his stomach,
Lit mouth
,
i
yet the appetite is never satisfied.

8 What advantage then does the wise man have over the fool? j What advantage is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others? 9 Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. k This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. l

10 Whatever exists was given its name long ago,
Lit name already
,
n and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he. o
11 For when there are many words, they increase futility. p What is the advantage for man? 12 For who knows what is good for man in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? q Who can tell man what will happen after him under the sun?
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