Ecclesiastes 6:11 “For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?”

Ecclesiastes 6:11

For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

World English Bible

For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

American Standard Version

Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

Geneva Bible 1599

Not included in this translation.

Darby Translation

For there are many things that increase vanity: what is man advantaged?

Young's Literal Translation

For there are many things multiplying vanity; what advantage [is] to man?

Bible in Basic English

There are words without number for increasing what is to no purpose, but what is man profited by them?

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Cross references

“Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?”

Ecclesiastes 4:16 Ecclesiastes 5:7 Ecclesiastes 1:6–9 Ecclesiastes 2:3–11 Ecclesiastes 3:19 Ecclesiastes 4:1–4

Ecclesiastes 4:16 · BSB

There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 · BSB

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

Ecclesiastes 1:6–9 · BSB

The wind blows southward, then turns northward; round and round it swirls, ever returning on its course.

Ecclesiastes 2:3–11 · BSB

I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:19 · BSB

For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile.

Ecclesiastes 4:1–4 · BSB

Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

10Whatever exists was named long ago, and it is known what man is; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.

12For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?

Read Ecclesiastes 6