King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
4 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
4
It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
5
Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man—
6 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
6
even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
7
Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied.
8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
8
What advantage have the wise over fools? What do the poor gain by knowing how to conduct themselves before others?
9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
9
Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
10 That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
10
Whatever exists has already been named, and what humanity is has been known; no one can contend with someone who is stronger.
11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
11
The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
12
For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?
The King James Version 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.