Definition: And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 2:19 together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat philosophical statement! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse is saying that life, in its entirety – everything we do, experience, and achieve – is ultimately a bit of a gamble. It's like a game where you have the potential to be either incredibly wise or utterly foolish. Let’s unpack it further: “And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool?” This is the key question. It’s acknowledging that we don’t fully understand our own future. We can speculate, plan, and try to figure things out, but there's always a possibility of making mistakes – of being foolish. “yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun.” This is where it gets more profound. The verse describes a life filled with work (labor). It’s not just about doing jobs; it's about effort – putting in time and energy into things. "Shewed myself wise" means showing our knowledge or understanding, perhaps through learning, creativity, or problem-solving. “This [is] also vanity.” Finally, the verse concludes that all of this – the striving for wisdom, the effort, and even the potential for foolishness – is ultimately vanity . Vanity means a feeling of emptiness or lack of true worth. It's like chasing something that doesn’t truly bring lasting satisfaction. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? The verse suggests that life is about striving and working towards goals. But the potential for mistakes, for being foolish, always exists. It's a reminder to be mindful of our choices and actions – not to obsess over perfection but to accept that we can’t control everything. It encourages us to appreciate the journey rather than solely focusing on the final outcome. Philosophical Implications: This verse is often interpreted as a call for contentment and living a balanced life. It's about finding joy in the process, not just in achieving certain results. It acknowledges that true value isn’t always about knowing everything but about experiencing life with awareness and acceptance of both our strengths and weaknesses. Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example: We could talk about the context of Ecclesiastes 2:19 within the broader themes of wisdom, time, and the human condition? Are there different interpretations of "vanity"?