Ecclesiastes 2:15

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَقُلْتُ لِنَفْسِي: «لَنْ يَخْتَلِفَ مَصِيرِي عَنْ مَصِيرِ الجَاهِلِ. فَلِمَاذَا أتعَبُ فِي السَّعِيِ إلَى الحِكْمَةِ؟» وَقُلْتُ لِنَفْسِي: «هَذَا أيْضًا زَائِلٌ.

What Does This Mean?

The writer of Ecclesiastes, likely Solomon, is reflecting on how life treats both wise and foolish people similarly. He questions the value of wisdom when outcomes seem the same for everyone. The verse expresses a sense of futility in seeking wisdom if it doesn't change life's outcomes.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're really good at solving puzzles, but one day you find out that even your friend who's not good at puzzles ends up with the same result as you. You might wonder, 'Why work so hard if it doesn't make a difference?' That's what the writer is feeling here.

Historical Background

Ecclesiastes was likely written by King Solomon, known for his wisdom, during the time when Israel was a powerful kingdom. The audience would have been the general population of Israel, and the cultural setting reflects the struggle between human effort and the unpredictable nature of life.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse can apply to someone who has worked hard and achieved success, only to see someone less diligent receive similar rewards. It can lead to questioning the value of one's efforts and the fairness of life.

Topics

• wisdom
• futility
• human effort
• life's outcomes
• fairness
• questioning

Related Verses

• Job 12:6
• Psalm 39:5
• Proverbs 10:1
• 1 Corinthians 3:19
• Ecclesiastes 9:11

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the writer's main concern in Ecclesiastes 2:15?

The writer is concerned about the perceived futility of wisdom and effort when outcomes seem the same for both wise and foolish individuals.

How does this verse relate to Job 12:6?

Both verses highlight the paradox where the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer, questioning the fairness of life's outcomes.

What can we learn about human effort from Ecclesiastes 2:15?

The verse suggests that despite our best efforts, life's outcomes may not always reflect our efforts, which can lead to a sense of futility.

How does this verse apply to modern workplace scenarios?

It can apply when someone sees a less hardworking colleague receive the same rewards as them, leading to questions about the fairness and value of their own efforts.