Ecclesiastes 4

1 But 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.

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 Wherefore I praised the dead that are already dead more than the living that are yet alive;

Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

3 but better than they both is he that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

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 Again, I considered all labour and all excelling in work, that it is a man's rivalry with his neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Then I saw all the labour and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

6 Better is a handful of quietness, than both the hands full of labour and striving after wind.

Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and chasing after wind.

7 Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

8 There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches: 'for whom then do I labour, and bereave my soul of pleasure?' This also is vanity, yea, it is a grievous business.

There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labour 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 labour.

Two are better than one, because 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 falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

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 be warm alone?

Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

12 And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

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 child than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

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; although in his kingdom he was born poor.

For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

15 I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the child, the second, that was to stand up in his stead.

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 whom he did lead; yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

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.