(A)It is the same for all, since (B)the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil,[a] to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who (C)swears is as he who shuns an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that (D)the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and (E)madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but (F)the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for (G)the memory of them is forgotten.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 9:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks and the evil

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather
Retail: $114.99
Our Price: $59.99
Save: $55.00 (48%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Turquoise
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Turquoise
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $26.99
Save: $18.00 (40%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Thinline Bible, Bonded leather, Black
ESV Thinline Bible, Bonded leather, Black
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $28.99
Save: $16.00 (36%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling New Testament, hardcover
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling New Testament, hardcover
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $23.49
Save: $11.50 (33%)
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $20.99
Save: $24.00 (53%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars