Ecclesiastes 2:26

New English Translation

For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth – only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile – like chasing the wind!

Cross References

Genesis 7:1

The Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, for I consider you godly among this generation.

Job 32:8

But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand.

Job 38:36

Who has put wisdom in the heart, or has imparted understanding to the mind?

Psalm 39:6

Surely people go through life as mere ghosts. Surely they accumulate worthless wealth without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”

Psalm 51:6

Look, you desire integrity in the inner man; you want me to possess wisdom.

Proverbs 13:22

A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren, but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 2:6

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 28:8

The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest gathers it for someone who is gracious to the needy.

Ecclesiastes 1:13

I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.

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 2:25

For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him.

Ecclesiastes 3:10

I have observed the burden that God has given to people to keep them occupied.

Luke 1:6

They were both righteous in the sight of God, following all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

John 16:24

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete.

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.