Ecclesiastes 6:9-11
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
9 “What the eyes see is better than what the desires wander after.”[a] This also is vanity and a chase after wind.
II. Qoheleth’s Conclusions
10 Whatever is, was long ago given its name, and human nature is known; mortals cannot contend in judgment with One who is stronger.[b] 11 For the more words, the more vanity; what profit is there for anyone?
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 6:9 Compare the English proverb, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” However, it could also mean, “The seeing of the eyes is better than the wandering of the desire,” with the emphasis on the actions of seeing and desiring. Seeing is a way of possessing whereas desire, by definition, can remain frustrated and unfulfilled.
- 6:10–11 One who is stronger is, of course, God. The more vanity: contending with God is futile.
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