Ecclesiastes 6:12
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Context
This verse from Ecclesiastes Chapter 6 connects to 10 cross-references. Qohelet meditates on the absurdity of a man to whom God gives great wealth but not the ability to enjoy it — a stranger enjoys it instead. Even a man who lives a thousand years twice over without finding enjoyment, …
Other Translations
For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
For who knoweth what <FI>is<Fi> good for a man in life, the number of the days of the life of his vanity, and he maketh them as a shadow? for who declareth to man what is after him under the sun?
Who is able to say what is good for man in life all the days of his foolish life which he goes through like a shade? who will say what is to be after him under the sun?
Cross References
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as …
(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)
He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not …
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance …
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man …
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth …
He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.