“Futile! Futile!” laments the Teacher, “Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!”

“Absolutely futile!” laments the Teacher, “All of these things are futile!”

If I am guilty, why then weary myself in vain?

So how can you console me with your futile words? Nothing is left of your answers but deception!”

So he caused them to die unsatisfied and filled with terror.

People are like a vapor, their days like a shadow that disappears.

So I again considered another futile thing on earth:

Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.

Men are nothing but a mere breath; human beings are unreliable. When they are weighed in the scales, all of them together are lighter than air.

If you yourselves have all seen this, Why in the world do you continue this meaningless talk?

So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; without knowledge he multiplies words.”

The Lord knows that peoples’ thoughts are morally bankrupt.

Wealth gained quickly will dwindle away, but the one who gathers it little by little will become rich.

Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death.

Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness,

The people of those nations are both stupid and foolish. Instruction from a wooden idol is worthless!

They are worthless, mere objects to be mocked. When the time comes to punish them, they will be destroyed.

They are worthless, objects to be ridiculed. When the time comes to punish them, they will be destroyed.

I loathe it; I do not want to live forever; leave me alone, for my days are a vapor!

I hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.