6 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. 7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 8:6-7

New International Version

6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery. 7 Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?

English Standard Version

6 For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's troubleOr evil lies heavy on him. 7 For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?

The Message

6 Yes, there's a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. 7 It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. Who's around to tell us?

New King James Version

6 Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, Though the misery of man increases greatly. 7 For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?

New Living Translation

6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble. 7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don't know is going to happen?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:6-7

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:6-8

(Read Ecclesiastes 8:6-8)

God has, in wisdom, kept away from us the knowledge of future events, that we may be always ready for changes. We must all die, no flight or hiding-place can save us, nor are there any weapons of effectual resistance. Ninety thousand die every day, upwards of sixty every minute, and one every moment. How solemn the thought! Oh that men were wise, that they understood these things, that they would consider their latter end! The believer alone is prepared to meet the solemn summons. Wickedness, by which men often escape human justice, cannot secure from death.