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 the labor and 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 is
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.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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