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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 happens has already been designated, and human beings are fully known. They can’t contend with the one who is stronger than they are. 11 Because the more words increase, the more everything is pointless. What do people gain by it? 12 Because who knows what’s good for human beings during life, during their brief pointless life, which will pass away like a shadow? Who can say what the future holds for people under the sun?

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