Ecclesiastes 2:12

Thus turned, I, to look at wisdom, and madness and folly,—for what can the man [do more] who cometh after the king? [save] that which, already, men have done.

The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

11When, I, looked upon all my works, which my hands had made, and on my toil, whereon I had toilsomely wrought, then lo! all, was vanity, and feeding on wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

13Then saw, I, that wisdom doth excel folly,—as far as light excelleth darkness.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 2

Cross References

Ecclesiastes 1:17yea I have given my heart, to know wisdom, and to know madness, and folly,—I know that, even this, is a feeding on wind.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:2-12

Vanity of Worldly Pleasure. 1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. 2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? 3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. 4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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