The Bible in Basic English BBE
New International Version NIV
1 Put out your bread on the face of the waters; for after a long time it will come back to you again.
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Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.
2 Give a part to seven or even to eight, because you have no knowledge of the evil which will be on the earth.
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Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
3 If the clouds are full of rain, they send it down on the earth; and if a tree comes down to the south, or the north, in whatever place it comes down, there it will be.
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If clouds are full of water, they pour rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there it will lie.
4 He who is watching the wind will not get the seed planted, and he who is looking at the clouds will not get in the grain.
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Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
5 As you have no knowledge of the way of the wind, or of the growth of the bones in the body of her who is with child, even so you have no knowledge of the works of God who has made all.
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As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
6 In the morning put your seed into the earth, and till the evening let not your hand be at rest; because you are not certain which will do well, this or that--or if the two will be equally good.
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Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.
7 Truly the light is sweet, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.
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Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
8 But even if a man's life is long and he has joy in all his years, let him keep in mind the dark days, because they will be great in number. Whatever may come is to no purpose.
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However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.
9 Have joy, O young man, while you are young; and let your heart be glad in the days of your strength, and go in the ways of your heart, and in the desire of your eyes; but be certain that for all these things God will be your judge.
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You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
10 So put away trouble from your heart, and sorrow from your flesh; because the early years and the best years are to no purpose.
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So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.