Ecclesiastes 2:11

New English Translation

Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth.”

Cross References

Genesis 1:31

God saw all that he had made – and it was very good! There was evening, and there was morning, the sixth day.

Psalm 89:47

Take note of my brief lifespan! Why do you make all people so mortal?

Exodus 39:43

Moses inspected all the work – and they had done it just as the Lord had commanded – they had done it exactly – and Moses blessed them.

Ecclesiastes 1:14

I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile – like chasing the wind!

Ecclesiastes 1:17

So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!

Ecclesiastes 1:3

What benefit do people get from all the effort which they expend on earth?

Ecclesiastes 3:9

What benefit can a worker gain from his toil?

Ecclesiastes 5:10

The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money, he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income. This also is futile.

Ecclesiastes 5:16

This is another misfortune: Just as he came, so will he go. What did he gain from toiling for the wind?

Habakkuk 2:13

Be sure of this! The Lord who commands armies has decreed: The nations’ efforts will go up in smoke; their exhausting work will be for nothing.

1 Timothy 6:6

Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.