[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.
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[2] Why I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
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[3] Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. ¶
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[4] Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
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[5] The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.
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[6] Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. ¶
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[7] Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
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[8] There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither says he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a sore travail. ¶
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[9] Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.
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[10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up.
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[11] Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
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[12] And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ¶
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[13] Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
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[14] For out of prison he comes to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becomes poor.
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[15] I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
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[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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