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New International Version (NIV) |
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1 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:
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1 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:
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2 God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.
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2 God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.
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3 A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
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3 A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
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4 It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
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4 It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
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5 Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man--
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5 Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man--
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6 even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
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6 even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
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7 All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
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7 All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
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8 What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others?
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8 What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others?
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9 Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
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9 Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
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10 Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he.
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10 Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he.
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11 The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
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11 The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
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12 For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?
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12 For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?
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| Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
