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

The Future—Determined and Unknown

10 Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.

11 The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?

12 In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone?

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