Ecclesiastes 6:8 kjv — For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

King James Version

"For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?"

— Ecclesiastes 6:8, King James Version

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Ecclesiastes 6:8 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 6 — Context

5

Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.

6

Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

7

All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

8

For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

9

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

10

That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

11

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

Ecclesiastes 6:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 6:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 6:8 in the King James Version reads: “For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?”
Where is Ecclesiastes 6:8 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 6:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 6, verse 8.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 6:8.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 6:8 in?
Ecclesiastes 6:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 6:8?
Ecclesiastes 6:8 reads (KJV): “For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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