Ecclesiastes 6:12

New English Translation

For no one knows what is best for a person during his life – during the few days of his fleeting life – for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.

Cross References

1 Chronicles 29:15

For we are resident foreigners and nomads in your presence, like all our ancestors; our days are like a shadow on the earth, without security.

Job 14:2

He grows up like a flower and then withers away; he flees like a shadow, and does not remain.

Job 14:21

If his sons are honored, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he does not see it.

Job 8:9

For we were born yesterday and do not have knowledge, since our days on earth are but a shadow.

Psalm 102:11

My days are coming to an end, and I am withered like grass.

Psalm 109:23

I am fading away like a shadow at the end of the day; I am shaken off like a locust.

Psalm 144:4

People are like a vapor, their days like a shadow that disappears.

Psalm 16:5

Lord, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure.

Psalm 17:15

As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face; when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.

Psalm 4:6

Many say, “Who can show us anything good?” Smile upon us, Lord!

Psalm 47:4

He picked out for us a special land to be a source of pride for Jacob, whom he loves. (Selah)

Psalm 89:47

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

Ecclesiastes 10:14

yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future?

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.

Ecclesiastes 2:3

I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:22

So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work, because that is their reward; for who can show them what the future holds?

Ecclesiastes 6:11

The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him?

Ecclesiastes 7:15

During the days of my fleeting life I have seen both of these things: Sometimes a righteous person dies prematurely in spite of his righteousness, and sometimes a wicked person lives long in spite of his evil deeds.

Ecclesiastes 8:13

But it will not go well with the wicked, nor will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God.

Ecclesiastes 8:7

Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.

Ecclesiastes 9:6

What they loved, as well as what they hated and envied, perished long ago, and they no longer have a part in anything that happens on earth.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to promote justice, to be faithful, and to live obediently before your God.

James 4:14

You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes.