10 Whatever exists was given its name long ago,[a](A) and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he.(B) 11 For when there are many words, they increase futility.(C) What is the advantage for mankind? 12 For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow?(D) Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?

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Footnotes

  1. 6:10 Lit name already

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”