A Comparison of Ecclesiastes 7:14

When times are good, be happy. But when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one time as well as the other so that mortals cannot predict their future.
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
Meaning-for-Meaning (Closest Natural Equivalence)

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.
King James Version (KJV)
Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)

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When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider this:
God has made the one
as well as the other.
Therefore, no one can discover
anything about their future.
New International Version (NIV)
Thought-for-Thought (Functional Equivalence)

Enjoy prosperity whenever you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one as well as the other—so that everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life.
The Living Bible (TLB)
Paraphrase (Retelling)

Visit our Bible Translation Guide for more information about the major differences between the clear, natural English of God’s Word and other translations.