New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
4 For it comes into vanity and goes into darkness, and in darkness its name is covered;
4
It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
5 moreover it has not seen the sun or known anything; yet it finds rest rather than he.
5
Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man—
6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy 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 human toil is for the mouth, yet the appetite is not satisfied.
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Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied.
8 For what advantage have the wise over fools? And what do the poor have who know how to conduct themselves 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 desire; this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
9
Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
10 Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what human beings are, and that they are not able to dispute with those who are stronger.
10
Whatever exists has already been named, and what humanity is has been known; no one can contend with someone who is stronger.
11 The more words, the more vanity, so how is one the better?
11
The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
12 For who knows what is good for mortals while they live the few days of their vain life, which they pass like a shadow? For who can tell them what will be after them 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?
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.