Ecclesiastes 2:16

For the wise man, like the fool, is not remembered for very long. 2 In the days to come everything will have been long forgotten. 1 The wise man dies just like the fool dies.

Unlocked Literal Bible

In The King James Version

For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

In Context

15Then I said in my heart, 2 “What happens to the fool, 2 will also happen to me. 1 So what difference does it make if I am very wise?” 2 I concluded in my heart, 2 “This too is only vapor.” 1

17So I detested life because all the work done under the sun was evil to me. This was because everything is vapor and an attempt to shepherd the wind.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 2

Cross References

Exodus 1:8Now then a new king arose over Egypt, one who did not know about Joseph.

Psalms 49:10For he will see decay. Wise men die; 1 the fool and the brute alike perish 1 and leave their wealth to others. 1

Psalms 103:16The wind blows over it, and it disappears, 1 and no one can even tell where it once grew. 1

Ecclesiastes 1:11No one seems to remember the things that happened in ancient times, 2 and the things that happened much later 2 and that will happen in the future 1 will not likely be remembered either.”

Ecclesiastes 6:8Indeed, what advantage has the wise person over the fool? 2 What advantage does the poor man have 3 even if he knows how to act in front of other people? 1

Malachi 3:16Then those who feared Yahweh spoke with one another. Yahweh paid attention and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him about those who feared Yahweh and honored his name.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:13-17

Superiority of Wisdom to Folly. 12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done. 13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. 15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 2:16