¹² For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days^(A) they pass through like a shadow?^(B) Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?

¹⁷ then I saw all that God has done.^(A) No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.^(B)

⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery^(A) that has been hidden^(B) and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age^(C) understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.^{(D) 9} However, as it is written:

¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed^(F) to us by his Spirit.^(G)

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness^(A) in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a];^(B)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(A) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^{(B) 6} But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(C) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.