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[1]So I returned, and saw all the oppressions that were done under the sun: and behold the tear of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of them that oppressed them was power; but they had no comforter:
[2]and I praised all the dead that had already died more than the living, as many as are alive until now.
[3]Better also than both these is he who has not yet been, who has not seen all the evil work that is done under the sun.
[4]And I saw all labour, and all the diligent work, that this is a man's envy from his neighbour. This is also vanity and waywardness of spirit.
[5]The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.
[6]Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.
[7]So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.
[8]There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; and for whom do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? this is also vanity, and an evil trouble.
[9]Two are better than one, seeing they have a good reward for their labour.
[10]For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.
[11]Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: but how shall one be warmed alone?
[12]And if one should prevail against him, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.
[13]Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.
[14]For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because he also that was in his kingdom has become poor.
[15]I beheld all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.
[16]There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them: and the last shall not rejoice in him: for this also is vanity and waywardness of spirit.
[17]Keep thy foot, whensoever thou goest to the house of God; and when thou art near to hear, let thy sacrifice be better than the gift of fools: for they know not that they are doing evil.
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