Ecclesiastes 4

1 So I returned, and saw all the oppressions that were done under the sun: and behold the tear of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of them that oppressed them was power; but they had no comforter:

I turned myself to other things, and I saw the oppressions that are done under the sun, and the tears of the innocent, and they had no comforter; and they were not able to resist their violence, being destitute of help from any.

2 and I praised all the dead that had already died more than the living, as many as are alive until now.

And I praised the dead rather than the living:

3 Better also than both these is he who has not yet been, who has not seen all the evil work that is done under the sun.

And I judged him happier than them both, that is not yet born, nor hath seen the evils that are done under the sun.

4 And I saw all labor, and all the diligent work, that this is a man's envy from his neighbor. This is also vanity and waywardness of spirit.

Again I considered all the labours of men, and I remarked that their industries are exposed to the envy of their neighhour: so in this also there is vanity, and fruitless care.

5 The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh, saying:

6 Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.

Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.

7 So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.

Considering I found also another vanity under the sun:

8 There is one [alone], and there is not a second; yes, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; and for whom do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? this is also vanity, and an evil trouble.

There is but one, and he hath not a second, no child, no brother, and yet he ceaseth not to labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches, neither doth he reflect, saying: For whom do I labour, and defraud my soul of good things? in this also is vanity, and a grievous vexation.

9 Two [are] better than one, [seeing] they have a good reward for their labor.

It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society:

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.

If one fall he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to lift him up.

11 Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: but how shall one be warmed [alone?]

And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed?

12 And if one should prevail against [him], the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.

And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.

13 Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.

Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.

14 For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because [he] also that was in his kingdom has become poor.

Because out of prison and chains sometimes a man cometh forth to a kingdom: and another born king is consumed with poverty.

15 I saw all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.

I saw all men living, that walk under the sun with the second young man, who shall rise up in his place.

16 There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them: and the last shall not rejoice in him: for this also is vanity and waywardness of spirit.

The number of the people, of all that were before him is infinite: and they that shall come afterwards, shall not rejoice in him: but this also is vanity, and vexation of spirit.