Ecclesiastes 8:16

New English Translation

When I tried to gain wisdom and to observe the activity on earth – even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –

Cross References

Genesis 31:40

I was consumed by scorching heat during the day and by piercing cold at night, and I went without sleep.

Psalm 127:2

It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep.

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 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 2:23

For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!

Ecclesiastes 4:8

A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is futile and a burdensome task!

Ecclesiastes 5:12

The sleep of the laborer is pleasant – whether he eats little or much – but the wealth of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

Ecclesiastes 7:25

I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.

Ecclesiastes 8:7

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

Ecclesiastes 8:9

While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm.