Ecclesiastes 6:8

8 For what has the wise more than the fool? what more has the poor that knows how to walk among the living?

Ecclesiastes 6:8 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 6:8

For what hath the wise more than the fool
More delight and pleasure, in gratifying his senses, by eating and drinking: the wise man enjoys no more than the fool; the fool finds as much pleasure in the labour of his hands, which is for his mouth, as the wise man does; and the wise man can get no more satisfaction to his mind, from these outward gratifications, than the fool; what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
either, what does the poor man want more than the rich man, that knows how to get his bread, and is diligent and industrious among men to live, and does get a livelihood for himself and family; he enjoys all the sweets and comforts of life, as well as the rich man: or what hath the poor knowing man? as Aben Ezra interprets it, according to the accents; what has he more or does he enjoy more, than the poor foolish man, provided he has but sense enough to behave himself among men, so as to have bread to eat, and clothes to wear; which is as much as any man can enjoy, be he ever so rich or so wise?

Ecclesiastes 6:8 In-Context

6 For though the other should live a thousand years twice and has not enjoyed good; both shall surely go to the same place.
7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and with all this the appetite is not filled.
8 For what has the wise more than the fool? what more has the poor that knows how to walk among the living?
9 It is better to enjoy the good that is present than the wandering of desire; this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
10 He that is has been named already; and it is known that he is man and that he shall not be able to contend with him that is mightier than he.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010