Ecclesiastes 6:8

8 For ¹what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living?

Ecclesiastes 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?

Ecclesiastes 6:8 In-Context

6 "Even if the other man lives a thousand years twice and does not enjoy good things -do not all go to one place?"

7 All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied.

8 For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living?

9 What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.

10 Whatever exists has already been named , and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is.

Cross References

• 1. Ecclesiastes 2:15