Ecclesiastes 2:19

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

سَيَأْتِي آخَرُونَ لِيَسْتَوْلُوا عَلَى كُلِّ مَا تَعِبْتُ فِيهِ وَخَطَّطَتُ لَهُ بِحِكْمَةٍ فِي هَذِهِ الدُّنْيَا. وَلَا أدرِي إنْ كَانُوا سَيكُونُونَ حُكَمَاءَ أمْ حَمْقَى. هَذَا أيْضًا فَارِغٌ.

What Does This Mean?

The speaker in Ecclesiastes 2:19 wonders if the person who will inherit his hard work will be wise or foolish. Despite his efforts and wisdom, he realizes that he has no control over this outcome, which he considers meaningless.

Explained for Children

Imagine you work really hard on a big Lego project and wonder if your little brother or sister, who might get it when you grow up, will take good care of it. You don't know if they'll be careful or careless with your hard work. That can feel unfair, right?

Historical Background

Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around the 10th century BCE. The book reflects on the transient nature of life and the futility of human efforts in light of the inevitable. It was written for a general audience to understand the meaning of life from a worldly perspective.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where an entrepreneur builds a successful company, only to see it poorly managed by their successor. This verse reminds us that no matter how hard we work or how wise we are, we cannot control the future outcomes of our efforts.

Topics

• wisdom
• inheritance
• meaning of life
• futility
• hard work
• control

Related Verses

• Proverbs 22:3
• Job 5:12-13
• Matthew 25:14-30
• Romans 8:18
• Ecclesiastes 9:11

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Ecclesiastes 2:19?

The main theme is the uncertainty of the outcome of one's labor and the inevitable lack of control over future events.

How does this verse relate to modern life?

This verse speaks to the frustration and unpredictability of leaving behind a legacy, such as a business or a piece of art, to someone who might not appreciate or manage it well.

What does it mean to be wise 'under the sun'?

Being wise 'under the sun' refers to practical, worldly wisdom, as opposed to divine wisdom, which acknowledges the transient and often futile nature of human endeavors.

How can this verse be used in a sermon?

A sermon could focus on the importance of living wisely now, despite the uncertainties of what will happen to our efforts in the future, emphasizing the value of wisdom and hard work in the present.