Ecclesiastes 1:3 Cross References

Ecclesiastes 1:3

3: What do people get for all their hard work?

And this, too, is a very serious problem. As people come into this world, so they depart. All their hard work is for nothing. They have been working for the wind, and everything will be swept away.

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

But you shouldn't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the Father has sent me for that very purpose."

And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?
Is anything worth more than your soul?

And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.
In my search for wisdom, I tried to observe everything that goes on all across the earth. I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night.
This reminded me that no one can discover everything God has created in our world, no matter how hard they work at it. Not even the wisest people know everything, even if they say they do.

It seems so tragic that one fate comes to all. That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.

And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? And yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work. How meaningless!

Has not the LORD Almighty promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard, but all in vain!

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, and enjoy their work--whatever they do under the sun--for however long God lets them live.

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!

In the few days of our empty lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? And who can tell what will happen in the future after we are gone?

Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works.

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

And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world.

"What have you gained by worshiping all your man-made idols? How foolish to trust in something made by your own hands! What fools you are to believe such lies!

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