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Ecclesiastes 2:12

English Standard Version

12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done.

Compare Versions

American Standard 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 done long ago.

Christian Standard Bible

Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor be like? He will do what has already been done.

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.

New American Standard Bible

So I turned to consider wisdom, insanity, and foolishness; for what will the man do who will come after the king, except what has already been done?

New International Version

Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done?

New King James Version

Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly; For what can the man do who succeeds the king?— Only what he has already done.

New Living Translation

So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).

World English Bible

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly; for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.