Ecclesiastes 6:8

8 In this way a wise person is no better off than a fool. Then, too, it does a poor person little good to know how to get along in life.

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 Even if he lives two thousand years, he doesn't enjoy the good God gives him. Everyone is going to the same place.

7 People work just to feed themselves, but they never seem to get enough to eat.

8 In this way a wise person is no better off than a fool. Then, too, it does a poor person little good to know how to get along in life.

9 It is better to see what you have than to want more. Wanting more is useless -- like chasing the wind.

10 Whatever happens was planned long ago. Everyone knows what people are like. No one can argue with God, who is stronger than anyone.