Add parallel Print Page Options

For what advantage has the wise person over the fool?
    What advantage does the poor man have
        in knowing how to face life?[a]
It 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.

10 Whatever exists has been named already;[b]
    people know what it means[c] to be human—
        and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 6:8 Lit. knows to walk before the living
  2. Ecclesiastes 6:10 I.e. its destiny is known
  3. Ecclesiastes 6:10 Lit. already; it is known

What advantage have the wise over fools?(A)
What do the poor gain
    by knowing how to conduct themselves before others?
Better what the eye sees
    than the roving of the appetite.
This too is meaningless,
    a chasing after the wind.(B)

10 Whatever exists has already been named,(C)
    and what humanity is has been known;
no one can contend
    with someone who is stronger.

Read full chapter