1So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors. | 1So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors. |
2So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive. | 2So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive. |
3But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth. | 3But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth. |
4Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless--like chasing the wind. | 4Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless--like chasing the wind. |
5The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh. | 5The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh. |
6Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind. | 6Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind. |
7So I again considered another futile thing on earth: | 7So I again considered another futile thing on earth: |
8A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is futile and a burdensome task! | 8A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is futile and a burdensome task! |
9Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. | 9Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. |
10For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. | 10For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. |
11Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? | 11Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? |
12Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken. | 12Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken. |
13A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice. | 13A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice. |
14For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom. | 14For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom. |
15I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place. | 15I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place. |
16There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind. | 16There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind. |
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