Kohelet 6:8

8 For what hath the chacham more than the kesil? What hath the poor man, who has da’as of how to conduct himself before the living?

Kohelet 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?

Kohelet 6:8 In-Context

6 Yea, though he live an elef shanim twice over, yet hath he seen no tovah. Do not all go to mekom echad?

7 All the amal (labor) of haAdam is for his mouth, and yet the nefesh is not satisfied.

8 For what hath the chacham more than the kesil? What hath the poor man, who has da’as of how to conduct himself before the living?

9 Better what the eynayim see than the roving of the nefesh; this also is hevel and chasing after ruach.

10 That which is, its shem hath already been named, and it is known what adam shall be; neither may he contend with what is stronger than he.