| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | NET Bible |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1Here is another misfortune that I have seen on earth, and it weighs heavily on people: |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2God gives a man riches, property, and wealth so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires, yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor--instead, someone else enjoys it! This is fruitless and a grave misfortune. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3Even if a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years--even if he lives a long, long time, but cannot enjoy his prosperity--even if he were to live forever--I would say, "A stillborn child is better off than he is!" |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness, |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5though it never saw the light of day nor knew anything, yet it has more rest than that man-- |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die! |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7All of man's labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach--yet his appetite is never satisfied! |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8So what advantage does a wise man have over a fool? And what advantage does a pauper gain by knowing how to survive? |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile--like chasing the wind. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10Whatever has happened was foreordained, and what happens to a person was also foreknown. It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate because God is more powerful than he is. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him? |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12For no one knows what is best for a person during his life--during the few days of his fleeting life--for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth. |
|
    |