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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/21_Ecc_06_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 6:9 - The Futility of Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. 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This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this <i>is</i> also vanity and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire. This also <i>is</i> vanity and grasping for the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />What the eyes see is better than what the soul goes after. This too is vanity and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />What the eyes see [enjoying what is available] is better than [craving] what the soul desires. This too is futility and chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better what the eyes see than wandering desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's better to enjoy what we have than to always want something else, because that makes no more sense than chasing the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It is better to look at what is in front of you than to go looking for what you want. Even this is pointless. [It's like] trying to catch the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is useless; it is like chasing the wind. It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It is better to focus on what you can see than to meander after your self-interest; this also is pointless and a chasing after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile--like chasing the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul. This [is] also vanity and distress of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good the sight of the eyes above the going of the soul. Also this is vanity and striving of spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better it is to see what thou mayst desire, than to desire that which thou canst not know. But this also is vanity, and presumption of spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It is better to see what you desire, than to desire what you cannot know. But this, too, is emptiness and a presumption of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“What the eyes see is better than what the desires wander after.” This also is vanity and a chase after wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire; this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire; this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Better the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul, and this also is futility and agitation of the soul<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is the seeing of the eyes than the wandering of the desire; this also is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The sight of the eyes is better than that which wanders in soul: this is also vanity, and waywardness of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1119" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">The Futility of Life</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others? <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·na·yim (N-cd) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">what the eye</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’êh (N-msc) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">can see</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: mê·hă·lāḵ- (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">than the wandering</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nā·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">of desire.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">This</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: he·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">is futile</a> <a href="/hebrew/7469.htm" title="7469: ū·rə·‘ūṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Longing, striving. Probably from ra'ah; a feeding upon, i.e. Grasping after.">and a pursuit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">of the wind.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-20.htm">Proverbs 27:20</a></span><br />Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></span><br />Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24</a></span><br />Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5</a></span><br />When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Proverbs 30:15-16</a></span><br />The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: / Sheol, the barren womb, land never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-8</a></span><br />Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-12</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16-17</a></span><br />For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="hdg">better</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> nothing better for a man, <i>than</i> that he should eat and drink, and <i>that</i> he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it <i>was</i> from the hand of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12,13</a></b></br> I know that <i>there is</i> no good in them, but for <i>a man</i> to rejoice, and to do good in his life… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a></b></br> Behold <i>that</i> which I have seen: <i>it is</i> good and comely <i>for one</i> to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it <i>is</i> his portion.</p><p class="hdg">wandering of the desire</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-7.htm">Job 31:7</a></b></br> If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Proverbs 30:15,16</a></b></br> The horseleach hath two daughters, <i>crying</i>, Give, give. There are three <i>things that</i> are never satisfied, <i>yea</i>, four <i>things</i> say not, <i>It is</i> enough: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Jeremiah 2:20</a></b></br> For of old time I have broken thy yoke, <i>and</i> burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.</p><p class="hdg">this</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2</a></b></br> A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this <i>is</i> vanity, and it <i>is</i> an evil disease.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2,14</a></b></br> Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all <i>is</i> vanity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11,22,23</a></b></br> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all <i>was</i> vanity and vexation of spirit, and <i>there was</i> no profit under the sun… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Appetite</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-5.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Futility</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-34.htm">Roving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Appetite</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-9.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-18.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Futility</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/hosea/5-11.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-18.htm">Roving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-28.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/songs/1-7.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">the vanity of riches without use</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">though a man have many children and a long life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">the vanity of sight and wandering desires</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">The conclusion of vanities</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better what the eye can see</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of contentment with what is tangible and present. In the context of ancient Israel, where Ecclesiastes was written, life was often uncertain, and the future unpredictable. The phrase suggests a practical wisdom that values the immediate and certain over the speculative and uncertain. This echoes the wisdom found in <a href="/proverbs/27-20.htm">Proverbs 27:20</a>, which warns against insatiable desires. The idea is that what is visible and attainable is more reliable than chasing after what is not.<p><b>than the wandering of desire.</b><br>The "wandering of desire" refers to the restless pursuit of more, which is a common human tendency. In the historical context of Ecclesiastes, this could relate to the pursuit of wealth, power, or pleasure, which were prevalent in the ancient Near Eastern cultures. This phrase warns against the endless cycle of wanting more, which can lead to dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness. <a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a> speaks to how desire can lead to sin and ultimately death, highlighting the dangers of unchecked desires.<p><b>This too is futile</b><br>The term "futile" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness." It reflects the Preacher's (traditionally believed to be Solomon) exploration of life's purpose and the limitations of human endeavors. The futility here is the realization that earthly pursuits, driven by desire, ultimately do not satisfy the soul. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in 1 <a href="/john/2-16.htm">John 2:16-17</a>, which contrasts worldly desires with the eternal will of God.<p><b>and a pursuit of the wind.</b><br>"Pursuit of the wind" is a metaphor for chasing something that cannot be caught or held. It illustrates the elusive nature of fulfillment through worldly means. In the cultural context, wind was often seen as a symbol of transience and unpredictability. This imagery is used throughout Ecclesiastes to convey the fleeting nature of life and human efforts. The phrase resonates with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>, where He advises storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_over_covetousness.htm">Contentment Over Covetousness</a></b><br>The verse teaches the importance of being content with what we have rather than constantly desiring more. This aligns with the biblical principle of contentment as a source of peace and fulfillment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_endless_desire.htm">The Futility of Endless Desire</a></b><br>The "wandering of desire" is described as futile, highlighting the emptiness of pursuing endless wants. This serves as a reminder to focus on what is truly valuable and eternal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeing_the_present_blessings.htm">Seeing the Present Blessings</a></b><br>"What the eye can see" encourages us to appreciate and be grateful for the tangible blessings in our lives, rather than being distracted by what we lack.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_the_wind.htm">Pursuit of the Wind</a></b><br>The metaphor of "pursuit of the wind" illustrates the elusive and ungraspable nature of chasing after desires. It calls us to seek satisfaction in God rather than in material or temporal things.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'chasing_the_wind'_mean.htm">What does "chasing the wind" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_eccl._6_9-12_contradict_hope_themes.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9-12 - Do these verses' pessimistic tone and emphasis on life's vanity contradict the Bible's broader themes of hope and purpose?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_9_7_contradict_self-denial.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7 emphasizes enjoyment of life; does this contradict New Testament calls for self-denial and sacrifice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'nothing_new'_literal_today.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:9 - In light of countless historical inventions and discoveries, how can the claim 'there is nothing new under the sun' be taken literally?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire</span> (<span class="accented">nephesh</span>, "the soul," ver. 7). This is a further confirmation of the misery and unrest that accompany immoderate desires. "The sight of the eyes" means the enjoyment of the present, that which lies before one, in contrast to the restless craving for what is distant, uncertain, and out of reach. The lesson taught is to make the best of existing circumstances, to enjoy the present, to control the roaming of fancy, and to narrow the vast field of appetency. We have a striking expression in Wisd. 4:12, <span class="greek">ῤεμβασμὸς ἐπιθυμίας</span> by which is denoted the giddiness, the reeling intoxication, caused by unrestrained passion. The Roman satirist lashed the sin of unscrupulous greed- <p><span class="foreign">"Seal quae reverentia legum,<br />Quis rectus aut pudor eat unquam properantis avari?"</span><br /><br />(<span class="note_acc">Juven., 'Sat.,' 14:177.</span>) <p><span class="accented">"Nor law, nor checks of conscience will he hear,<br />When in hot scent of gain and full career."</span><br /><br />(<span class="note_acc">Dryden.</span>) Zockler quotes Horace, 'Epist.,' 1:18. 96, <span class="accented">sqq -</span> <p><span class="foreign">"Inter cuncta leges et percontabere doctos,<br />Qua ratione queas traducere leniter aevum;<br />Num te semper inops agitet vexetque cupido,<br />Num paver et return mediocriter utilium spes."</span> . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֛וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what the eye</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·na·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can see</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְאֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(mar·’êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than the wandering</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽהֲלָךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(mê·hă·lāḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of desire.</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֑פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">This</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">too</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is futile</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֖בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a pursuit</span><br /><span class="heb">וּרְע֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·rə·‘ūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7469.htm">Strong's 7469: </a> </span><span class="str2">A feeding upon, grasping after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wind.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֽוּחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>