Add parallel Print Page Options

10 Anything my eyes saw and wanted, I got for myself. My mind was pleased with everything I did. And this happiness was the reward for all my hard work.

11 But then I looked at everything I had done and the wealth I had gained. I decided it was all a waste of time! It was like trying to catch the wind.[a] There is nothing to gain from anything we do in this life.[b]

Maybe Wisdom Is the Answer

12 Then I decided to think about what it means to be wise or to be foolish or to do crazy things. And I thought about the one who will be the next king. The new king will do the same as the kings before him.[c]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 2:11 trying to catch the wind Or “It is very troubling to the spirit.” The word for “troubling” can also mean “craving,” and the word for “spirit” can also mean “wind.” Also in verses 17, 26.
  2. Ecclesiastes 2:11 in this life Literally, “under the sun.” Also in verses 17, 22.
  3. Ecclesiastes 2:12 And I thought … before him The Hebrew text here is hard to understand.

Bible Gateway Recommends

ERV Duotone Bible, Burgundy/Tan
ERV Duotone Bible, Burgundy/Tan
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $5.00 (26%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ERV Duotone Bible, Black/Grey
ERV Duotone Bible, Black/Grey
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $5.00 (26%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ERV Paperback Bible
ERV Paperback Bible
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $5.49
Save: $1.50 (21%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV) English Green/Tan (Duotone)
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV) English Green/Tan (Duotone)
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $5.00 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Thai New Testament (ERV) City Bible--softcover
Thai New Testament (ERV) City Bible--softcover
Retail: $10.99
Our Price: $9.49
Save: $1.50 (14%)
ERV Paperback Bible, Case of 28
ERV Paperback Bible, Case of 28
Retail: $195.72
Our Price: $139.72
Save: $56.00 (29%)