Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
Expanded Bible
12 So I ·realize [know] that ·the best thing [L there is nothing better] for them is to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live. 13 God wants all people to eat and drink and be happy in their ·work [toil], which are gifts from God [2:24–26; 3:22; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7–10; C the little pleasures are distractions from the meaningless world]. 14 I know that everything God does will continue forever. People cannot add anything to what God has done, and they cannot take anything away from it. God does it this way to make people ·respect [or be afraid of; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12, 13] him.
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Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
New International Version
12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink,(A) and find satisfaction(B) in all their toil—this is the gift of God.(C) 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.(D)
Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
King James Version
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
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Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
New King James Version
12 I know that nothing is (A)better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that (B)every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
(C)Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
English Standard Version
12 I perceived that there is (A)nothing better for them than to be joyful and to (B)do good as long as they live; 13 also (C)that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is (D)God's gift to man.
14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; (E)nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.
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