Ecclesiastes 6:9 nasb — What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.

NASB

"What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind."

— Ecclesiastes 6:9, NASB

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Ecclesiastes 6:9 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 6 — Context

6

"Even if the other man lives a thousand years twice and does not enjoy good things--do not all go to one place?"

7

All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied.

8

For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living?

9

What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.

10

Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is.

11

For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a man?

12

For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life? He will spend them like a shadow. For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 6:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 6:9 say?
Ecclesiastes 6:9 in the NASB reads: “What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 6:9 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 6:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 6, verse 9.
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 6:9.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 6:9 in?
Ecclesiastes 6:9 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 6:9?
Ecclesiastes 6:9 reads (NASB): “What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.” 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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