Ecclesiastes 5:16

Ecclesiastes 5:16 in 10 English translations. Each links through to the full chapter for context.

New International Version (NIV)

16This too is a grievous evil:

As everyone comes, so they depart,

and what do they gain,

since they toil for the wind?

16This also is a sickening evil: exactly as a person is born, so will he die. What then is the advantage for him who labors for the wind?

16This also is a grievous evil—exactly as he was born, so he shall die. So what advantage has he who labors for the wind? [1 Tim 6:6]

16This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?

16And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?

16Also all his dayes hee eateth in darkenes with much griefe, and in his sorowe and anger.

16This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?

16Here’s something else that is very evil.

Everyone is born, and everyone dies.

And what do they get for their work?

Nothing. It’s like working for the wind.

16This is also a terrible thing to happen.

People leave this earth with nothing,

as they came into it with nothing.

All their hard work has been useless,

like someone who tries to catch the wind.

16And this also [is] a painful evil, just as he came, so he goes, and what advantage [is] to him who labors for wind?