Ecclesiastes 6:12

New International Reader's Version

Who knows what’s good for a person? They live for only a few meaningless days. They pass through life like a shadow. Who can tell them what will happen on earth after they are gone?

Cross References

1 Chronicles 29:15

We are outsiders and strangers in your sight. So were all of our people who lived long ago. Our days on this earth are like a shadow. We don’t have any hope.

Job 14:2

They grow like flowers, and then they dry up. They are like shadows that quickly disappear.

Job 14:21

If their children are honored, they don’t even know it. If their children are dishonored, they don’t even see it.

Job 8:9

After all, we were born only yesterday. So we don’t know anything. Our days on this earth are like a shadow that disappears.

Psalm 102:11

The days of my life are like an evening shadow. I dry up like grass.

Psalm 109:23

I fade away like an evening shadow. I’m like a locust that someone brushes off.

Psalm 144:4

Their lives don’t last any longer than a breath. Their days are like a shadow that quickly disappears.

Psalm 16:5

Lord, you alone are everything I need. You make my life secure.

Psalm 17:15

You will show that I am right; I will enjoy your blessing. When I wake up, I will be satisfied because I will see you.

Psalm 4:6

Lord, many are asking, “Who will make us successful?” Lord, may you do good things for us.

Psalm 47:4

He chose our land for us. The people of Jacob are proud of their land, and God loves them.

Psalm 89:47

Remember how short my life is. You have created all people for such a useless purpose!

Ecclesiastes 10:14

They talk too much. No one knows what lies ahead. Who can tell someone else what will happen after they are gone?

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Everything has now been heard. And here’s the final thing I want to say. Have respect for God and obey his commandments. This is what he expects of all human beings.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

A person can’t do anything better than eat, drink and be satisfied with their work. I’m finally seeing that those things also come from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:3

I tried cheering myself up by drinking wine. I even tried living in a foolish way. But wisdom was still guiding my mind. I wanted to see what was good for people to do on earth during their short lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:22

So a person should enjoy their work. That’s what God made them for. I saw that there’s nothing better for them to do than that. After all, who can show them what will happen after they are gone?

Ecclesiastes 6:11

The more words people use, the less meaning there is. And that doesn’t help anyone.

Ecclesiastes 7:15

In my meaningless life here’s what I’ve seen. I’ve seen godly people dying even though they are godly. And I’ve seen sinful people living a long time even though they are sinful.

Ecclesiastes 8:13

Sinful people don’t respect God. So things won’t go well with them. Like a shadow, they won’t be around very long.

Ecclesiastes 8:7

No one knows what lies ahead. So who can tell someone else what’s going to happen?

Ecclesiastes 9:6

Their love, hate and jealousy disappear. They will never share again in anything that happens on earth.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

You love your wife. So enjoy life with her. Do it all the days of this meaningless life God has given you on earth. That’s what he made you for. That’s what you get for all your hard work on earth.

Micah 6:8

The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God.

James 4:14

You don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears.