[1] So I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: And behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power, but they had no comforter. [2] Therefore I praised the dead who are already dead more than the living who are yet alive; [3] yea, better than both of them is he who hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. [4] Again, I considered all travail and every right work for which a man is envied by his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. [5] The fool foldeth his hands together and eateth his own flesh. [6] Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of the spirit. [7] Again I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun: [8] There is one who is alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother, yet there is no end to all his labor. Neither is his eye satisfied with riches; nor saith he, "For whom do I labor and bereave my soul of good?" This is also vanity; yea, it is a sore travail. [9] Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. [10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up. [11] Again, if two lie down together, then they have heat, but how can one be warm alone? [12] And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threestrand cord is not quickly broken. [13] Better is a poor and wise child, than an old and foolish king who will no more be admonished. [14] For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. [15] I considered all the living who walk under the sun, with the second child who shall stand up in his stead. [16] There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them; they also who came after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
