Ecclesiastes 6:9 web — Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

World English Bible

"Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind."

— Ecclesiastes 6:9, World English Bible

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Ecclesiastes 6:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 6 — Context

6

Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place?

7

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

8

For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?

9

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

10

Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

11

For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

12

For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends 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 World English Bible reads: “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing 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 (WEB): “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing 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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