Vanity of vanities — hevel, vapor, breath. The overture: generations come and go, the sun rises and hurries back, and there is nothing new under it.
“That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”— Ecclesiastes 1:9 (WEB)
Vapor of vapors... it’s all just a ghost in the hand
Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NLT)Everything is meaningless, says the Teacher, completely meaningless!
A handful of smoke... scattered across the sand
Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NLT)...completely meaningless!
What does a man gain... from the sweat of his brow?
Ecclesiastes 1:3 (NLT)What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?
The earth is a stone... that doesn't care for the "now"
Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NLT)...but the earth remains forever.
One generation falls... while the next one is born
Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NLT)Generations come and generations go...
The same dusty coat... just slightly more torn.
Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NLT)Generations come and generations go...
The sun is a ghost... that won’t go to sleep
Ecclesiastes 1:5 (NLT)The sun rises and the sun sets...
It climbs up the hill... and dives into the deep
Ecclesiastes 1:5 (NLT)...then hurries around to rise again.
The wind is a circle... a dog chasing its tail
Ecclesiastes 1:6 (NLT)The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles.
Whistling south... then turning north on the gale
Ecclesiastes 1:6 (NLT)The wind blows south, and then turns north...
Every river is running... to a sea that won’t fill
Ecclesiastes 1:7 (NLT)Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full.
The world is a wheel... that’s never standing still.
Ecclesiastes 1:7 (NLT)Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea.
THERE’S NOTHING NEW... UNDER THE SUN
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
The race is a circle... that’s already been run
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before.
The eye isn’t satisfied... with all that it sees
Ecclesiastes 1:8 (NLT)No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied.
The ear is a beggar... down on its knees
Ecclesiastes 1:8 (NLT)No matter how much we hear, we are not content.
It’s a long, low shadow... on a desert floor
Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NLT)We don’t remember what happened in the past...
What’s been done... is what’s done forevermore.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)History merely repeats itself.
I set my heart to know... the wisdom and the madness
Ecclesiastes 1:17 (NLT)So I set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly.
But searching for the light... only brought me the sadness
Ecclesiastes 1:17 (NLT)But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind.
For in much wisdom... is a heavy, heavy heart
Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NLT)The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief.
The more you know... the more you're torn apart
Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NLT)To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.
(The more you're torn apart...)
Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NLT)To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.
There is no remembrance... of the men who came before
Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NLT)We don’t remember what happened in the past...
And those yet to come... will be shadows at the door
Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NLT)...and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.
I’ve seen everything... under the burning sky
Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NLT)I observed everything going on under the sun...
It’s a chasing of the wind... a long and lonely "why."
Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NLT)...it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.
THERE’S NOTHING NEW... UNDER THE SUN
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
The race is a circle... that’s already been run
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before.
The eye isn’t satisfied... with all that it sees
Ecclesiastes 1:8 (NLT)No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied.
The ear is a beggar... down on its knees
Ecclesiastes 1:8 (NLT)No matter how much we hear, we are not content.
"Vapor... it's all just vapor."
Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NLT)Everything is meaningless, says the Teacher, completely meaningless!
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 WEB
- 1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
- 2“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
- 3What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?
- 4One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.
- 5The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises.
- 6The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses.
- 7All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again.
- 8All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
- 9That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
- 10Is there a thing of which it may be said, “Behold, this is new?” It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.
- 11There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after.
- 12I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
- 13I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
- 14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
- 15That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted.
- 16I said to myself, “Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”
- 17I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.
- 18For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
The experiment. Houses, vineyards, pools, singers, silver and gold — everything the eye desired, withheld from nothing, and all of it vapor and chasing wind.
“Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.”— Ecclesiastes 2:11 (WEB)
I said in my heart, "Come on, let’s have a taste"
Ecclesiastes 2:1 (NLT)I said to myself, Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the good things in life.
Of the wine and the honey, before it goes to waste.
Ecclesiastes 2:3 (NLT)After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine.
I cheered my body with the juice of the vine
Ecclesiastes 2:3 (NLT)...I decided to cheer myself with wine.
Searching for the fruit, but only found the rind.
Ecclesiastes 2:1 (NLT)But I found that this, too, was meaningless.
I grabbed onto folly like a handle on a door
Ecclesiastes 2:3 (NLT)And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness.
But the more I had, the more I wanted more.
Ecclesiastes 2:10 (NLT)Anything I wanted, I would take.
I built me some houses, I planted me some trees
Ecclesiastes 2:4 (NLT)I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards.
I had parks and gardens, and every kind of ease.
Ecclesiastes 2:5 (NLT)I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees.
I bought me the slaves, and the cattle and the gold
Ecclesiastes 2:7 (NLT)I bought slaves, both men and women... I collected great sums of silver and gold...
More than all the kings in the stories that were told.
Ecclesiastes 2:9 (NLT)So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me...
I had singers for the day, and concubines for night
Ecclesiastes 2:8 (NLT)I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!
Whatever caught my eye, I kept it in my sight.
Ecclesiastes 2:10 (NLT)Anything I wanted, I would take.
BUT IT’S A LONG ROAD TO NOWHERE...
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless...
It’s a chasing of the wind!
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)...like chasing the wind.
A heavy, dusty circle...
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind.
Where the vanity begins.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
Yeah, I looked at all my labor...
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish...
Everything my hands had spun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)...it was all so meaningless...
It was nothing but a shadow...
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
Underneath the desert sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind.
"Everything... vanity... mmm."
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)...it was all so meaningless...
Then I looked at the wise man, and I looked at the fool
Ecclesiastes 2:12 (NLT)So I decided to compare wisdom with madness and folly...
They both end up broken, by the same heavy rule.
Ecclesiastes 2:14 (NLT)...but then I realized that the same fate overtakes both of them.
The wise man sees the light, and the fool walks in the dark
Ecclesiastes 2:14 (NLT)For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.
But the same cold dirt... is gonna quench every spark.
Ecclesiastes 2:14 (NLT)...the same fate overtakes both of them.
They’ll both be forgotten, like a footprint in the rain
Ecclesiastes 2:16 (NLT)For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool.
So I hated my life... and I hated all the gain.
Ecclesiastes 2:17 (NLT)So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
IT’S A LONG ROAD TO NOWHERE...
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless...
It’s a chasing of the wind!
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)...like chasing the wind.
A heavy, dusty circle...
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind.
Where the vanity begins.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
"So I left it all... to a man who didn't work for it."
Ecclesiastes 2:18 (NLT)I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned.
"Who knows if he'll be wise... or a fool?"
Ecclesiastes 2:19 (NLT)And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless!
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 2:1-26 WEB
- 1I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure”; and behold, this also was vanity.
- 2I said of laughter, “It is foolishness”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”
- 3I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.
- 4I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.
- 5I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.
- 6I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared.
- 7I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem;
- 8I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
- 9So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.
- 10Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.
- 11Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
- 12I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.
- 13Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.
- 14The wise man’s eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness—and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all.
- 15Then I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart that this also is vanity.
- 16For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, since in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool!
- 17So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
- 18I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.
- 19Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.
- 20Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.
- 21For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
- 22For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?
- 23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.
- 24There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.
- 25For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?
- 26For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
A time for everything. The most anthologized passage in the book, played straight and then undercut: he has set eternity in their hearts, yet nobody can find out the work God does.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.”— Ecclesiastes 3:11 (WEB)
There’s a season for the wind, a time for every plan
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Underneath the heavens, for the life of every man.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)...a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to meet the grave
Ecclesiastes 3:2 (NLT)A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant the seed, and a time to let it wave.
Ecclesiastes 3:2 (NLT)A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill the fever, a time to heal the bone
Ecclesiastes 3:3 (NLT)A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear it down, a time to set the stone.
Ecclesiastes 3:3 (NLT)A time to tear down and a time to build up.
IT’S THE WHEEL... TURNING IN THE DUST
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Everything is beautiful... and everything is rust.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
He set eternity... inside the human heart
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)...he has planted eternity in the human heart...
But we can’t see the finish... and we can’t see the start.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)...but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Yeah, it’s a heavy rhythm... under a desert sun.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
A time to weep a river, a time to laugh out loud
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NLT)A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn the shroud, a time to dance among the crowd.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NLT)A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to cast the stones, a time to gather them in piles
Ecclesiastes 3:5 (NLT)A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace the touch, a time to walk the miles.
Ecclesiastes 3:5 (NLT)A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to keep the silence, and a time to speak the truth
Ecclesiastes 3:7 (NLT)A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time for the aged, and a time for the youth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
"Whatever God does... it's gonna last forever."
Ecclesiastes 3:14 (NLT)And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it.
I know there is no better thing... than to be happy and do good
Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NLT)So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.
To eat and drink and find the joy... in the labor and the wood.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NLT)And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor...
It’s the gift of the Almighty... for a man to find his peace
Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NLT)...for these are gifts from God.
In the middle of the turning... where the wonders never cease.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
IT’S THE WHEEL... TURNING IN THE DUST
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Everything is beautiful... and everything is rust.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
He set eternity... inside the human heart
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)...he has planted eternity in the human heart...
But we can’t see the finish... and we can’t see the start.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)...but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
"That which is... has already been."
Ecclesiastes 3:15 (NLT)What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before...
"And God seeks... what has driven away."
Ecclesiastes 3:15 (NLT)...because God makes the same things happen over and over again.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 WEB
- 1For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
- 2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
- 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
- 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
- 5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
- 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
- 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
- 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
- 9What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?
- 10I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
- 11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.
- 12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.
- 13Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
- 14I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
- 15That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.
- 16Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.
- 17I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
- 18I said in my heart, “As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.
- 19For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity.
- 20All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.
- 21Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?”
- 22Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?
The tears of the oppressed with no comforter, the labor driven by envy of a neighbor, and a threefold cord that is not quickly broken — the one warm passage in a cold chapter.
“If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”— Ecclesiastes 4:12 (WEB)
I turned and looked again... at the shadows on the wall
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT)Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun.
At all the cold oppression... underneath the fall.
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT)I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them.
I saw the tears of the cheated... with no one there to dry 'em
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT)I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them.
Power on the side of the strong... and no one to defy 'em.
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT)The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.
I said the dead are lucky... because they’ve found the exit door
Ecclesiastes 4:2 (NLT)So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living.
But better is the one unborn... who hasn't seen the war.
Ecclesiastes 4:3 (NLT)But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun.
I saw that every labor... and every skillful hand
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NLT)Then I observed that most people are motivated to success...
Is just a neighbor’s envy... burning through the land.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NLT)...because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
The fool folds his fingers... and consumes his own flesh
Ecclesiastes 4:5 (NLT)Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin.
While the striver’s caught forever... in the golden mesh.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NLT)...because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
Better is a single handful... with a little bit of peace
Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NLT)And yet, Better to have one handful with quietness...
Than two hands full of vanity... that never finds release.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NLT)...than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.
IT’S A COLD MACHINE...
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT)Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun.
Grinding down the bone.
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT)I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them.
Better to have a brother...
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
Than to stand out in the lone.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
If one man falls... the other lifts him high.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
But woe to the lonely soul... underneath the heavy sky.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
"A threefold cord... isn't easily broken. No..."
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)...Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Two can keep the heat... in the middle of the night
Ecclesiastes 4:11 (NLT)Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm.
But how can one stay warm... when the frost begins to bite?
Ecclesiastes 4:11 (NLT)But how can one be warm alone?
Though a man might prevail... against the one who stands alone
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated...
Two can hold the line... against the kingdom and the throne.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)...but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.
"Better a poor and wise youth... than an old and foolish king."
Ecclesiastes 4:13 (NLT)It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 WEB
- 1Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
- 2Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.
- 3Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
- 4Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
- 5The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.
- 6Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
- 7Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
- 8There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.
- 9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
- 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.
- 11Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?
- 12If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
- 13Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.
- 14For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.
- 15I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.
- 16There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Let your words be few; a dream comes with much activity, and a fool’s voice with many words.
“Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.”— Ecclesiastes 5:2 (WEB)
"Guard your steps... when you go to the house of God."
Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NLT)As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut.
Don’t be quick with your mouth, or hasty in your soul
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT)Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God.
To pour out words like water... into a broken bowl.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT)After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.
For God is in the heavens, and you are on the clay
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT)After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth.
So let your words be few... at the end of the day.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT)So let your words be few.
For a dream comes in with a world of work and stress
Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NLT)Too much activity gives you restless dreams...
And a fool’s voice is known... by his talkative excess.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NLT)...too many words make you a fool.
When you make a vow, don't leave it on the shelf
Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NLT)When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through...
It’s better not to promise... than to cheat your own self.
Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NLT)It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.
Don’t let your tongue... lead your flesh into the fire
Ecclesiastes 5:6 (NLT)Don’t let your mouth make you sin.
The Messenger is watching... every word of your desire.
Ecclesiastes 5:6 (NLT)And don’t defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake.
In the multitude of dreams... there is vanity and smoke
Ecclesiastes 5:7 (NLT)Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities.
But fear the Holy One... beneath the heavy yoke.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 (NLT)Fear God instead.
IT’S THE NOISE OF FOOLS!
Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NLT)...too many words make you a fool.
A clatter in the dark.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NLT)Too much activity gives you restless dreams...
Don't let the silver...
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT)Those who love money will never have enough.
Quench the holy spark.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 (NLT)Fear God instead.
The more the goods increase...
Ecclesiastes 5:11 (NLT)The more you have...
The more the eaters come.
Ecclesiastes 5:11 (NLT)...the more people come to help you spend it.
(Nothing but a shadow...)
Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NLT)We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born.
Underneath the thumb.
Ecclesiastes 5:13 (NLT)Hoarding riches harms the saver.
The sleep of the laborer... is sweet and deep and still
Ecclesiastes 5:12 (NLT)People who work hard sleep well...
Whether he eats a little... or eats until his fill.
Ecclesiastes 5:12 (NLT)...whether they eat little or much.
But the abundance of the rich... it keeps them wide awake
Ecclesiastes 5:12 (NLT)But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.
Staring at the ceiling... for their heavy stomach's sake.
Ecclesiastes 5:12 (NLT)But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.
I’ve seen a sick evil... underneath the sun
Ecclesiastes 5:13 (NLT)There is another serious tragedy I have seen under the sun...
Wealth kept by the owner... until the damage is done.
Ecclesiastes 5:13 (NLT)Hoarding riches harms the saver.
As he came from the womb... naked he shall go
Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NLT)We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born.
Taking nothing from his labor... to the world below.
Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NLT)We can’t take our riches with us.
He toils for the wind... in darkness and in grief
Ecclesiastes 5:16 (NLT)And this, too, is a very serious tragedy. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind.
A long, weary life... with no moment of relief.
Ecclesiastes 5:17 (NLT)Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—thrashing around in the dark, plagued by sickness and frustration.
"Eat, drink, and find the joy... in your toil."
Ecclesiastes 5:18 (NLT)Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun...
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 WEB
- 1Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil.
- 2Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
- 3For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool’s speech with a multitude of words.
- 4When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.
- 5It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
- 6Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
- 7For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.
- 8If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don’t marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.
- 9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.
- 10He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.
- 11When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?
- 12The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.
- 13There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.
- 14Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.
- 15As he came out of his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
- 16This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?
- 17All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.
- 18Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.
- 19Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
- 20For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.
A man to whom God gives wealth and no power to enjoy it. The shortest and bleakest chapter — better the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire.
“Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.”— Ecclesiastes 6:9 (WEB)
"There is an evil I have seen... and it lies heavy on the soul."
Ecclesiastes 6:1 (NLT)There is another serious tragedy I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily on humanity.
A man is given riches... and wealth and every honor
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NLT)God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want...
Whatever his heart desires... the world has laid upon her.
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NLT)God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want...
But God gives him no power... to taste the honeyed wine
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NLT)...but then he doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things.
Instead, a stranger feasts... on the fruit and on the vine.
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NLT)They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth!
It’s a vanity, a sickness... a shadow on the floor
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NLT)This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy.
To have the whole world in your hand... and still be wanting more.
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NLT)This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy.
If a man has a hundred children... and lives a thousand years
Ecclesiastes 6:3 (NLT)A man might have a hundred children and live to be very old.
But his soul is never satisfied... and he ends his days in tears.
Ecclesiastes 6:3 (NLT)But if he finds no satisfaction in life and doesn’t even get a decent burial...
I say a stillborn child... is better off than he
Ecclesiastes 6:3 (NLT)...it would have been better for him to be born dead.
For it comes in with a vapor... and it leaves in secrecy.
Ecclesiastes 6:4 (NLT)His birth would have been meaningless, and he would have ended in darkness.
It never saw the sun... it never knew the name
Ecclesiastes 6:5 (NLT)It never saw the sun and never knew anything...
But it finds a rest in silence... that puts the man to shame.
Ecclesiastes 6:5 (NLT)...and yet it has more peace than the man who was born to be rich and grow old.
ALL THE LABOR OF A MAN... IS ONLY FOR HIS MOUTH!
Ecclesiastes 6:7 (NLT)All people spend their lives scratching for food...
The wind is blowing north... then it’s turning to the south.
Ecclesiastes 6:7 (NLT)...but they never seem to have enough.
The soul is never filled!
Ecclesiastes 6:7 (NLT)...but they never seem to have enough.
The hunger’s never stilled!
Ecclesiastes 6:7 (NLT)...but they never seem to have enough.
(Chasing the wind...)
Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT)Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.
Walking in a dream... that's already been killed.
Ecclesiastes 6:3 (NLT)...it would have been better for him to be born dead.
"What advantage has the wise man... over the fool?"
Ecclesiastes 6:8 (NLT)So what advantage does the wise person have over the fool?
Better is the sight of the eyes... than the wandering of desire
Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT)Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.
One is a cooling spring... the other is a fire.
Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT)Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.
Whatever has come to be... was named long ago
Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NLT)Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be.
A man cannot contend... with the One who made it so.
Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NLT)So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.
The more the words increase... the less the meaning stays
Ecclesiastes 6:11 (NLT)The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?
Who knows what’s good for man... in his few and fleeting days?
Ecclesiastes 6:12 (NLT)In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent?
"Like a shadow... he passes through the light."
Ecclesiastes 6:12 (NLT)Our lives are like a shadow. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 6:1-12 WEB
- 1There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:
- 2a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
- 3If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn child is better than he:
- 4for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.
- 5Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.
- 6Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don’t all go to one place?
- 7All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
- 8For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?
- 9Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
- 10Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.
- 11For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?
- 12For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?
The house of mourning over the house of feasting, and the counsel not to ask why the former days were better — a question the Preacher calls unwise.
“Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.”— Ecclesiastes 7:10 (WEB)
A good name is better than a jar of gold
Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NLT)A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.
And the day you die... than the day the story's told.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NLT)And the day you die is better than the day you are born.
Better to sit in the house where the mourners cry
Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NLT)Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.
Than to feast in the hall where the fools all lie.
Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NLT)Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.
For death is the end of every living man
Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NLT)After all, everyone dies...
And the heart of the wise... understands the plan.
Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NLT)...so the living should take this to heart.
Better to hear the rebuke of a man who’s wise
Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NLT)Better to be criticized by a wise person...
Than the song of a fool... tellin’ happy lies.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NLT)...than to be praised by a fool.
For the laughter of a fool is like thorns in a flame
Ecclesiastes 7:6 (NLT)A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire.
A crackle of noise... with no soul to the name.
Ecclesiastes 7:6 (NLT)A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire.
Extortion turns a wise man into a clown
Ecclesiastes 7:7 (NLT)Extortion turns wise people into fools...
And a bribe is the weight... that pulls the spirit down.
Ecclesiastes 7:7 (NLT)...and bribes corrupt the heart.
BETTER IS THE END!
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)Finishing is better than starting.
Than the start of a thing.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)Finishing is better than starting.
Better is the patient heart...
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)Patience is better than pride.
Than the pride of a king.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)Patience is better than pride.
Don't let your spirit... be quick to be mad
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NLT)Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.
Don't look back and say... the old days were all we had.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NLT)Don’t long for the good old days. This is not wise.
In the day of prosperity... be joyful and glad
Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NLT)Enjoy prosperity while you can...
In the day of adversity... remember what you had.
Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NLT)...but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.
God has made the one... as well as the other
Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NLT)...realize that both come from God.
So no man can find... what’s coming 'round the corner.
Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NLT)He gives them both to us, so everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life.
Don't be too righteous, don't be too wise
Ecclesiastes 7:16 (NLT)So don’t be too good or too wise!
Why should you perish... before your own eyes?
Ecclesiastes 7:16 (NLT)Why destroy yourself?
"There's not a righteous man on earth... who only does good."
Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NLT)There is not a single righteous man on earth who always does good and never sins.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 7:1-29 WEB
- 1A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth.
- 2It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.
- 3Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
- 4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
- 5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
- 6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
- 7Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.
- 8Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
- 9Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- 10Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.
- 11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.
- 12For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
- 13Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?
- 14In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.
- 15All this I have seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing.
- 16Don’t be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
- 17Don’t be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?
- 18It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don’t withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come out of them all.
- 19Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
- 20Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn’t sin.
- 21Also don’t take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;
- 22for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.
- 23All this I have proved in wisdom. I said, “I will be wise”; but it was far from me.
- 24That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?
- 25I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.
- 26I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.
- 27“Behold, I have found this,” says the Preacher, “to one another, to find out the scheme;
- 28which my soul still seeks; but I have not found. I have found one man among a thousand; but I have not found a woman among all those.
- 29Behold, I have only found this: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.”
Nobody has power over the day of death, and there is no discharge in that war. The righteous receiving what the wicked deserve, and the recommendation to eat and drink anyway.
“Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.”— Ecclesiastes 8:15 (WEB)
Who is like the wise man? Who knows the hidden soul?
Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NLT)How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things.
Wisdom makes the face to shine... and makes the broken whole.
Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NLT)Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.
Keep the king's command... for the sake of the ancient oath
Ecclesiastes 8:2 (NLT)Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would.
But don't be quick to leave him... or you'll lose the fruit of both.
Ecclesiastes 8:3 (NLT)Don’t try to avoid doing your duty...
For the word of a king is supreme... a law that's etched in stone
Ecclesiastes 8:4 (NLT)The king’s command is backed by great power.
Who can say "What are you doing?"... when he sits upon the throne?
Ecclesiastes 8:4 (NLT)No one can resist or question it.
There is a time and a way... for every matter under the sun
Ecclesiastes 8:6 (NLT)Yes, there is a time and a way for everything...
Though the trouble of man lies heavy... until the work is done.
Ecclesiastes 8:6 (NLT)...even though people’s troubles lie heavily on them.
No man has the power... to hold the wind in his fist
Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NLT)None of us can hold back our spirit from departing.
Or stay the day of his passing... in the middle of the mist.
Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NLT)None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death.
There is no discharge in the war... no shelter from the rain
Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NLT)There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle.
And wickedness won't save the one... who's addicted to the gain.
Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NLT)And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.
OH, I SAW THE WICKED BURIED...
Ecclesiastes 8:10 (NLT)I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple...
They used to go in and out!
Ecclesiastes 8:10 (NLT)I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple...
From the holy place they wandered...
Ecclesiastes 8:10 (NLT)...they were the very ones who frequented the Temple...
With a hollow, holy shout!
Ecclesiastes 8:10 (NLT)I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple...
Because the sentence isn't swift...
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NLT)When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
The heart of man is set...
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NLT)When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
To do the evil deeds...
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NLT)When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
That he hasn't paid for yet.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NLT)When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
"It'll be well with those who fear God..."
Ecclesiastes 8:12 (NLT)...but I know it will go better for those who fear God, who are reverent before him.
I saw a vanity on earth... where the righteous get the blame
Ecclesiastes 8:14 (NLT)And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked...
And the wicked get the glory... as if they had no shame.
Ecclesiastes 8:14 (NLT)...and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!
So I commend the joy... under the burning sky
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NLT)So I recommend having fun...
To eat and drink and be merry... before we have to die.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NLT)...because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life.
For this will stay with a man... in all his days of toil
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NLT)That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.
The little bit of sunlight... before he hits the soil.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NLT)That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.
"No man can find out the work... that is done under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 8:17 (NLT)I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 8:1-17 WEB
- 1Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
- 2I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.
- 3Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,
- 4for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
- 5Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.
- 6For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.
- 7For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?
- 8There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.
- 9All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.
- 10So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. This also is vanity.
- 11Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
- 12Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.
- 13But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow; because he doesn’t fear God.
- 14There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.
- 15Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.
- 16When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night sees sleep with his eyes),
- 17then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.
The living know that they will die. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might — and the race is not to the swift, because time and chance happen to them all.
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.”— Ecclesiastes 9:11 (WEB)
All this I laid to heart... to see it clear as day
Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NLT)This, too, I carefully explored...
The righteous and the wise... are in the hand that made the clay.
Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NLT)...the actions of the wise and righteous are in God’s hands.
Whether it’s love or hate... no man can truly know
Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NLT)No one knows whether God will show them favor.
It’s all a mystery... in the world down here below.
Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NLT)No one knows whether God will show them favor.
The same fate comes to all... the good man and the thief
Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NLT)The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked...
The clean and the unclean... find the same cold relief.
Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NLT)...good or bad, ceremonially clean or unclean...
As it is with the good... so it is with the one who sins
Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NLT)As it is with the good, so it is with the sinner...
The same door opens wide... where the silence begins.
Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NLT)The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked...
This is an evil thing... underneath the burning sun
Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NLT)It seems so tragic that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate.
That one fate finds us all... before the race is run.
Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NLT)It seems so tragic that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate.
The hearts of men are full of madness... while they still draw breath
Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NLT)That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course...
And after that... they join the congregation of the death.
Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NLT)...for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.
BUT A LIVING DOG!
Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NLT)Even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!
Is better than a lion in the grave!
Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NLT)Even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!
For the living know they’ll die...
Ecclesiastes 9:5 (NLT)The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing.
But the dead have nothing left to save.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 (NLT)The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing.
Their love and their hate...
Ecclesiastes 9:6 (NLT)Whatever they did in their lifetime—loving, hating, envying—is all long gone.
Have vanished like the morning rain.
Ecclesiastes 9:6 (NLT)Whatever they did in their lifetime—loving, hating, envying—is all long gone.
They have no more share...
Ecclesiastes 9:6 (NLT)They no longer play a part in anything here on earth.
In the labor or the pain.
Ecclesiastes 9:6 (NLT)They no longer play a part in anything here on earth.
"Eat your bread with joy... for God has already approved."
Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NLT)So go ahead. Eat your food with joy... for God approves of this!
Go, eat your bread with joy... and drink your wine with heart
Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NLT)So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart...
Let your clothes be white... and play your little part.
Ecclesiastes 9:8 (NLT)Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!
Enjoy the life you have... with the one you truly love
Ecclesiastes 9:9 (NLT)Live happily with the woman you love...
Through all the fleeting days... assigned from up above.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 (NLT)...through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun.
Whatever your hand finds to do... do it with your might
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)Whatever you do, do well.
For there’s no work or wisdom... in the coming of the night.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
"The race is not to the swift... nor the battle to the strong."
Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NLT)...The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle...
"But time and chance... happen to them all."
Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NLT)...It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 9:1-18 WEB
- 1For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it is love or hatred, man doesn’t know it; all is before them.
- 2All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good, to the clean, to the unclean, to him who sacrifices, and to him who doesn’t sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; he who takes an oath, as he who fears an oath.
- 3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
- 4For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
- 5For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for their memory is forgotten.
- 6Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.
- 7Go your way—eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.
- 8Let your garments be always white, and don’t let your head lack oil.
- 9Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun.
- 10Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.
- 11I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
- 12For man also doesn’t know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them.
- 13I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.
- 14There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.
- 15Now a poor wise man was found in it, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
- 16Then I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
- 17The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.
- 18Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.
Dead flies make the perfumer’s oil stink. A chapter of proverbs about small foolishness with large consequences, and a bird of the sky carrying your voice.
“Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.”— Ecclesiastes 10:1 (WEB)
Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment... begin to stink and spoil
Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NLT)As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink...
So a little folly... ruins the wisdom and the toil.
Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NLT)...so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor.
A wise man’s heart... leads him to the right-hand way
Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NLT)A wise person chooses the right road...
But a fool’s heart... wanders where the shadows play.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NLT)...a fool takes the wrong one.
Even on the road... when the fool begins to walk
Ecclesiastes 10:3 (NLT)You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street!
His sense is gone... and he shows it in his talk.
Ecclesiastes 10:3 (NLT)...they don’t have a lick of sense.
If the ruler's anger... rises up against your name
Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NLT)If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit!
Do not leave your post... do not feed the flame.
Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NLT)A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.
I have seen an error... underneath the burning sun
Ecclesiastes 10:5 (NLT)There is another evil I have seen under the sun...
Folly set in high places... while the work is being done.
Ecclesiastes 10:6 (NLT)Fools are given great authority, and the rich are given second-class jobs.
I saw slaves on horses... riding through the town
Ecclesiastes 10:7 (NLT)I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes—and princes walking like servants!
While princes walked like beggars... with their heads hanging down.
Ecclesiastes 10:7 (NLT)...and princes walking like servants!
HE WHO DIGS A PIT... SHALL FALL INTO THE HOLE!
Ecclesiastes 10:8 (NLT)When you dig a well, you might fall in.
A serpent waits in the wall... for the unwary soul.
Ecclesiastes 10:8 (NLT)When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake.
If the iron is blunt... and the edge is never whet
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT)Using a dull ax requires great strength...
You’ll have to use more strength... to pay the heavy debt.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT)...so sharpen the blade.
"Words from a wise mouth are gracious... but the lips of a fool consume him."
Ecclesiastes 10:12 (NLT)Words from a wise person bring praise, but words from a fool bring ruin.
The beginning of his words... is nothing but a lie
Ecclesiastes 10:13 (NLT)Fools base their thoughts on foolish assumptions...
The end of his talk... is madness in the eye.
Ecclesiastes 10:13 (NLT)...so their conclusions will be wicked madness.
No man knows... what is coming after now
Ecclesiastes 10:14 (NLT)Fools chatter on and on. No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future.
Who can tell him what will be... or where the world will bow?
Ecclesiastes 10:14 (NLT)No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future.
Woe to the land... where the king is but a child
Ecclesiastes 10:16 (NLT)What sorrow for the land ruled by a servant...
And the princes feast at morning... while the hearts are running wild.
Ecclesiastes 10:16 (NLT)...the land whose leaders feast in the morning.
"Money answers everything... but the heart is still cold."
Ecclesiastes 10:19 (NLT)A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 WEB
- 1Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
- 2A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.
- 3Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
- 4If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
- 5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.
- 6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.
- 7I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.
- 8He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
- 9Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.
- 10If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
- 11If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.
- 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
- 13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
- 14A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?
- 15The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city.
- 16Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!
- 17Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
- 18By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
- 19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.
- 20Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom: for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.
The finale. Cast your bread on the waters, rejoice while you are young — then remember your Creator before the silver cord is severed and the dust returns to the earth.
“This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”— Ecclesiastes 12:13 (WEB)
Cast your bread upon the waters... find it after many days
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NLT)Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.
Give a portion to the seven... for the world has wicked ways.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NLT)But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.
If the clouds are full of rain... they will empty on the land
Ecclesiastes 11:3 (NLT)When clouds are heavy, the rains come down.
Whether tree falls north or south... there it lies within the sand.
Ecclesiastes 11:3 (NLT)Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls.
He who watches for the wind... will never find the time to sow
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
He who looks at every cloud... will never see the harvest grow.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.
As you do not know the path... where the spirit takes its flight
Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLT)Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb...
So you do not know the work of God... who brings the day from night.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLT)...so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.
IN THE MORNING SOW YOUR SEED!
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NLT)Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon...
In the evening do not rest!
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NLT)Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon...
For you don't know which will thrive...
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NLT)...for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.
Or which will be the best.
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NLT)...for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.
Truly light is sweet to see...
Ecclesiastes 11:7 (NLT)Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
And the sun is good to find.
Ecclesiastes 11:7 (NLT)Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
But remember all the dark days...
Ecclesiastes 11:8 (NLT)When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days.
That are trailing close behind.
Ecclesiastes 11:8 (NLT)When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days.
Remember your Creator... in the days when you are young
Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NLT)Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator.
Before the silver cord is snapped... and the final song is sung.
Ecclesiastes 12:6 (NLT)Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps...
Before the golden bowl is broken...
Ecclesiastes 12:6 (NLT)...and the golden bowl is broken.
And the pitcher hits the well...
Ecclesiastes 12:6 (NLT)Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.
And the dust returns to earth... where the ancient shadows dwell.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NLT)For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Vanity of vanities...
Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NLT)Everything is meaningless, says the Teacher, completely meaningless.
(Everything is vapor...)
Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NLT)Everything is meaningless, says the Teacher, completely meaningless.
The end of the matter...
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT)That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands...
(Is to fear the Holy Name...)
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT)That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands...
For God will bring every deed to light... whether good or full of shame.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NLT)God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 WEB
- 1Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days.
- 2Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth.
- 3If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there shall it be.
- 4He who observes the wind won’t sow; and he who regards the clouds won’t reap.
- 5As you don’t know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you don’t know the work of God who does all.
- 6In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don’t withhold your hand; for you don’t know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good.
- 7Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the sun.
- 8Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity.
- 9Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
- 10Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
Full passage — Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 WEB
- 1Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;
- 2Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;
- 3in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows are darkened,
- 4and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
- 5yes, they shall be afraid of heights, and terrors will be on the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goes to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:
- 6before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
- 7and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
- 8“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All is vanity!”
- 9Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
- 10The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth.
- 11The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
- 12Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
- 13This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
- 14For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.