Ecclesiastes 6:12

New Living Translation

In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone?

Cross References

1 Chronicles 29:15

We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.

Job 14:2

We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.

Job 14:21

They never know if their children grow up in honor or sink to insignificance.

Job 8:9

For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.

Psalm 102:11

My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass.

Psalm 109:23

I am fading like a shadow at dusk; I am brushed off like a locust.

Psalm 144:4

For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.

Psalm 16:5

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.

Psalm 17:15

Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Psalm 4:6

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord.

Psalm 47:4

He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance, the proud possession of Jacob’s descendants, whom he loves. Interlude

Psalm 89:47

Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!

Ecclesiastes 10:14

they chatter on and on. No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:3

After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.

Ecclesiastes 3:22

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.

Ecclesiastes 6:11

The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?

Ecclesiastes 7:15

I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people.

Ecclesiastes 8:13

The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.

Ecclesiastes 8:7

Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?

Ecclesiastes 9:6

Whatever they did in their lifetime—loving, hating, envying—is all long gone. They no longer play a part in anything here on earth.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.

Micah 6:8

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

James 4:14

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.