[1] Again, I observed all the acts of oppression being done under the sun. Look at the tears of those who are oppressed; they have no one to comfort them. Power is with those who oppress them; they have no one to comfort them. [2] So I commended the dead, who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive. [3] But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. [4] I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to one person's jealousy of another. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. [5] The fool folds his arms and consumes his own flesh. [6] Better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind. [7] Again, I saw futility under the sun: [8] There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. "Who am I struggling for," he asks, "and depriving myself of good things?" This too is futile and a miserable task. [9] Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. [10] For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. [11] Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? [12] And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. [13] Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings. [14] For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. [15] I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow a second youth who succeeds him. [16] There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
