[1] Then I returned and saw 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 have been long dead
more than the living who are yet alive. [3] Yes, better than them both is
him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under
the sun. [4] Then I saw all of labor and of achievement that is the envy of
a man`s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. [5] The
fool folds his hands together and ruins himself. [6] Better is a handful,
with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind. [7]
Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun. [8] There is one who is
alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There no end to all of his
labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. For whom then, do I
labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment? This also is vanity, yes, it is a
miserable business. [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 who is alone when he falls, and doesn`t have another
to lift him up. [11] Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but
how can one keep warm alone? [12] If a man prevails against one who is
alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
[13] Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who
doesn`t know how to receive admonition any more. [14] For out of prison he
came forth to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. [15] I
saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth,
the other, who succeeded him. [16] There was no end of all the people, even
of all them over whom he was -- yet those who come after shall not rejoice
in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
