Ecclesiastes or Preacher 04 The Evils and Tribulations of Life

 Ecclesiastes or Preacher 04

The Evils and Tribulations of Life

1 Then I turned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun. I saw the tears of those who were oppressed and had no comforter. Strength was on the side of their oppressors, but they had no comforter.

2 Therefore I praised those who have died more than those who are still alive.

3 And better than both is he who is not yet, who has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.

4 I also saw that all labor and all skill in works makes a man envy his neighbor. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

5 A fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.

6 Better is a handful with ease than two hands full with labor and vexation of spirit. 

7 Again I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

8 There is one who is alone and has no second; he has neither son nor sister; yet there is no end to all his labor, nor are his eyes satisfied with riches; and he does not say, 'For whom do I labor, and deprive myself of good?' This also is vanity and a wearying occupation.

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

10 For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion; but woe to him who is alone! For if he falls, there is no one to lift him up.

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?

12 And if one prevails against one, two can withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13 Better is a poor and wise young man than an old and foolish king, who will no longer be admonished.

14 For one comes from prison to reign, even one who was born poor in his kingdom.

15 I have seen all the living walking under the sun with that young man, the successor who will take his place.

16 There is no end to all the people, all those he rules; nor will his descendants rejoice in him. Indeed, this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.