🌀WEB · Ecclesiastes 2:11

What does Ecclesiastes 2:11 mean?

"Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun."

— Ecclesiastes 2:11 (World English Bible)

Surrounding context

8

I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

9

So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

10

Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

11

Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

12

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

13

Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.

14

The wise man’s eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness—and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all.

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