Quotes About Futility

But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.

I saw that all labor and success spring from a manís envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Again, I saw futility under the sun.

There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.

There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.

This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?

There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind:

God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.

For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.

Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?

For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?

For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.

In my futile life I have seen both of these: A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.

What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?

Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile.

There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.

So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile.

“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile!”

The strong man will become tinder and his work will be a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the flames.

And on that day, in every place that had a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found.

Their bows will dash young men to pieces; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; they will not look with pity on the children.