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It is Futile for Humans to Complain about God’s Irresistible Will

10 Whatever is—it was already determined,
    what will be—it has already been decided.[a]
As for man, he cannot argue
    against what is more powerful than him.
11 Increasing words only multiplies futility,[b]
    how does that profit anyone?

The Future is Inscrutable to Humans

12 For who knows what is good for a man in his life during the few days of his fleeting life, which are fleeting as a shadow? For who can tell anyone what will happen in the future[c] under the sun?

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 6:10 Literally “and his name is known what he is man”
  2. Ecclesiastes 6:11 Literally “Where there are numerous words, it makes numerous vanity”
  3. Ecclesiastes 6:12 Literally “after him”

10 Whatever (A)exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he (B)cannot dispute with the [a]one who is mightier than he is. 11 For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a person? 12 For who knows what is good for a person during his lifetime, during the few [b]years of his futile life? He will [c]spend them like a shadow. For who can tell a person (C)what will happen after him under the sun?

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 6:10 Or Him who
  2. Ecclesiastes 6:12 Lit days
  3. Ecclesiastes 6:12 Lit do

10 Whatever exists has already been named,(A)
    and what humanity is has been known;
no one can contend
    with someone who is stronger.
11 The more the words,
    the less the meaning,
    and how does that profit anyone?

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

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