International Standard Version | International Standard Version |
1There exists another misfortune that I have observed on earth, and it is a heavy burden upon human beings: | 1There exists another misfortune that I have observed on earth, and it is a heavy burden upon human beings: |
2a man to whom God gives wealth, riches, and honor, so that he lacks none of his heart's desires—but God does not give him the capability to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger consumes them. This is pointless and a grievous affliction. | 2a man to whom God gives wealth, riches, and honor, so that he lacks none of his heart's desires—but God does not give him the capability to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger consumes them. This is pointless and a grievous affliction. |
3A man might father a hundred children, and live for many years, so that the length of his life is long—but if his life does not overflow with goodness, and he doesn't receive a proper burial, I maintain that stillborn children are better off than he is, | 3A man might father a hundred children, and live for many years, so that the length of his life is long—but if his life does not overflow with goodness, and he doesn't receive a proper burial, I maintain that stillborn children are better off than he is, |
4because stillborn children arrive in pointlessness, leave in darkness, and their names are covered in darkness. | 4because stillborn children arrive in pointlessness, leave in darkness, and their names are covered in darkness. |
5Furthermore, though they never saw the sun nor learned anything, they are more content than the other. | 5Furthermore, though they never saw the sun nor learned anything, they are more content than the other. |
6Even if he lives a thousand years twice over without experiencing the best—aren't all of them going to the same place? | 6Even if he lives a thousand years twice over without experiencing the best—aren't all of them going to the same place? |
7Every person works for his own self-interests, but his desires remain unsatisfied. | 7Every person works for his own self-interests, but his desires remain unsatisfied. |
8For what advantage has the wise person over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have in knowing how to face life? | 8For what advantage has the wise person over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have in knowing how to face life? |
9It is better to focus on what you can see than to meander after your self-interest; this also is pointless and a chasing after wind. | 9It is better to focus on what you can see than to meander after your self-interest; this also is pointless and a chasing after wind. |
10Whatever exists has been named already; people know what it means to be human— and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he. | 10Whatever exists has been named already; people know what it means to be human— and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he. |
11Because many words lead to pointlessness, how do people benefit from this? | 11Because many words lead to pointlessness, how do people benefit from this? |
12Who knows what is best for people in this life, every day of their pointless lives that they pass through like a shadow? Who informs people on earth what will come along after them? | 12Who knows what is best for people in this life, every day of their pointless lives that they pass through like a shadow? Who informs people on earth what will come along after them? |
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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