Ecclesiastes 7:14

12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him.
KJV
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
WEB
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.
ASV
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yea, God hath made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything [that shall be] after him.
DARBY
In the day of prosperity enjoy good, and in the day of adversity consider: God hath also set the one beside the other, to the end that man should find out nothing [of what shall be] after him.
BLB
In a day of prosperity, be in gladness, and in a day of evil, see also: This as well as this, God has made, for the reason that man cannot find out anything after him.
ÅB
På en god dag skal du være ved godt mot, og på en ond dag skal du tenke på at Gud har gjort den og, like så vel som den andre, for at mennesket ikke skal finne noe etter seg[^1].
OTB
I tider med velstand vær glad, men i tider med motgang betrakt: Gud har gjort den ene så vel som den andre, slik at ingen kan oppdage hva som vil komme etter dem.
B1930
På en god dag skal du være ved godt mot, og på en ond dag skal du tenke på at Gud har gjort den og, like så vel som den andre, forat mennesket ikke skal finne noget efter sig. / < d.e. ikke skal vite noget av hvad som skal skje efter ham.>

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Ecclesiastes 3:4

    A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

    Read in context
  • Ecclesiastes 3:22

    Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 8:3

    And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

    Read in context
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

    Read in context
  • James 5:13

    Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 28:47

    Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 26:11

    LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

    Read in context
  • Job 10:1–2

    My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

    Read in context