1 So I returned{H7725}{(H8804)}, and considered{H7200}{(H8799)} all the oppressions{H6217} that are done{H6213}{(H8737)} under the sun{H8121}: and behold the tears{H1832} of such as were oppressed{H6231}{(H8803)}, and they had no comforter{H5162}{(H8764)}; and on the side{H3027} of their oppressors{H6231}{(H8802)} there was power{H3581}; but they had no comforter{H5162}{(H8764)}.

2 Wherefore I praised{H7623}{(H8764)} the dead{H4191}{(H8801)} which are already{H3528} dead{H4191}{(H8804)} more than the living{H2416} which are yet{H5728} alive{H2416}.

3 Yea, better{H2896} is he than both{H8147} they, which hath not yet{H5728} been, who hath not seen{H7200}{(H8804)} the evil{H7451} work{H4639} that is done{H6213}{(H8738)} under the sun{H8121}.

4 Again, I considered{H7200}{(H8804)} all travail{H5999}, and every right{H3788} work{H4639}, that for this a man{H376} is envied{H7068} of his neighbour{H7453}. This is also vanity{H1892} and vexation{H7469} of spirit{H7307}.

5 The fool{H3684} foldeth{H2263} his hands{H3027} together{H2263}{(H8802)}, and eateth{H398}{(H8802)} his own flesh{H1320}.

6 Better{H2896} is an handful{H3709} with quietness{H5183}, than both the hands{H2651} full{H4393} with travail{H5999} and vexation{H7469} of spirit{H7307}.

7 Then I returned{H7725}{(H8804)}, and I saw{H7200}{(H8799)} vanity{H1892} under the sun{H8121}.

8 There is{H3426} one{H259} alone, and there is not a second{H8145}; yea, he hath neither child{H1121} nor brother{H251}: yet is there no end{H7093} of all his labour{H5999}; neither is his eye{H5869} satisfied{H7646}{(H8799)} with riches{H6239}; neither saith he, For whom do I labour{H6001}, and bereave{H2637}{(H8764)} my soul{H5315} of good{H2896}? This is also vanity{H1892}, yea, it is a sore{H7451} travail{H6045}.

9 Two{H8147} are better{H2896} than one{H259}; because they have{H3426} a good{H2896} reward{H7939} for their labour{H5999}.

10 For if they fall{H5307}{(H8799)}, the one{H259} will lift up{H6965}{(H8686)} his fellow{H2270}: but woe{H337} to him that is alone{H259} when he falleth{H5307}{(H8799)}; for he hath not another{H8145} to help him up{H6965}{(H8687)}.

11 Again{H1571}, if two{H8147} lie together{H7901}{(H8799)}, then they have heat{H2552}{(H8804)}: but how can one{H259} be warm{H3179}{(H8799)} alone?

12 And if one{H259} prevail{H8630}{(H8799)} against him, two{H8147} shall withstand{H5975}{(H8799)} him; and a threefold{H8027}{(H8794)} cord{H2339} is not quickly{H4120} broken{H5423}{(H8735)}.

13 Better{H2896} is a poor{H4542} and a wise{H2450} child{H3206} than an old{H2205} and foolish{H3684} king{H4428}, who will{H3045}{(H8804)} no more be admonished{H2094}{(H8736)}.

14 For out of prison{H631}{(H8803)}{H1004} he cometh{H3318}{(H8804)} to reign{H4427}{(H8800)}; whereas also he that is born{H3205}{(H8738)} in his kingdom{H4438} becometh poor{H7326}{(H8802)}.

15 I considered{H7200}{(H8804)} all the living{H2416} which walk{H1980}{(H8764)} under the sun{H8121}, with the second{H8145} child{H3206} that shall stand up{H5975}{(H8799)} in his stead.

16 There is no end{H7093} of all the people{H5971}, even of all that have been before{H6440} them: they also that come after{H314} shall not rejoice{H8055}{(H8799)} in him. Surely this also is vanity{H1892} and vexation{H7475} of spirit{H7307}.