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[1]So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
[2]Wherefore I praised the dead who are already dead more than the living who are yet alive.
[3]Yes, better is he than both they, who hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
[4]Again, I considered all labor, and every right work, that for this 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 toil and vexation of spirit.
[7]Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
[8]There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a grievous labor.
[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 to rise.
[11]Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
[12]And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.
[13]Better is a poor and a 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 that 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 that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
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