NIV: Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
NAS: What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.
KJV: Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
GWT: 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.
ASV: Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
BBE: What the eyes see is better than the wandering of desire. This is to no purpose and a desire for wind.
DBY: Better is the seeing of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and pursuit of the wind.
DRB: 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.
WBS: Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
WEB: Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
YLT: Better is the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
GOD'S WORD Translation (GWT) Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations
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