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10 Whatever (A)exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; and he (B)cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is. 11 For there are many words which increase vanity. What then is the advantage to a man? 12 For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few days of his vain life? He will make do with them like a (C)shadow. For who can tell a man (D)what will be after him under the sun?

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10 Whatever exists has been named already;[a]
    people know what it means[b] to be human—
        and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he.
11 Because many words lead to pointlessness,
    how do people benefit from this?

12 Who knows what is best for people in this life, every day of their pointless lives that they pass through[c] like a shadow? Who informs people on earth what will come along after them?

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 6:10 I.e. its destiny is known
  2. Ecclesiastes 6:10 Lit. already; it is known
  3. Ecclesiastes 6:12 Or they spend