a man (A)to whom (B)God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he (C)lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God (D)does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity;[a] it is a grievous evil. If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that (E)the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's (F)good things, and he also has no (G)burial, I say that (H)a stillborn child is better off than he. For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 6:2 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 4, 9, 11 (see note on 1:2)

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
Retail: $11.99
Our Price: $8.99
Save: $3.00 (25%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Gray), Leather, imitation, Grey
ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Gray), Leather, imitation, Grey
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $28.99
Save: $16.00 (36%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $3.00 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Seek and Find Bible, hardcover
ESV Seek and Find Bible, hardcover
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $9.49
Save: $25.50 (73%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $20.99
Save: $24.00 (53%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars