Geneva Study Bible So 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. So {a} 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.
(a) He makes here another discourse with himself concerning the tyranny of them that oppressed the poor. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Wherefore I praised the {b} dead who are already dead more than the living who are yet alive.
(b) Because they are no longer subject to these oppressions. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. Yea, {c} better is he than both they, who hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
(c) He speaks according to the judgment of the flesh which cannot abide to feel or see troubles. Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Again, I considered all labour, and every {d} right work, that for this a man is envied by his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
(d) The more perfect that the work is, the more it is envied by the wicked. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. The fool foldeth his hands together, and {e} eateth his own flesh.
(e) For idleness he is compelled to destroy himself. Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. {f} Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
(f) As when man is alone, he can neither help himself nor others, he shows that men should live in mutual society to the intent that they may be profitable one to another, and that their things may increase. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold {g} cord is not quickly broken.
(g) By this proverb he declares how necessary it is, that men should live in society. Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. For out of {h} prison he cometh to reign; though also he that is {i} born in his kingdom becometh poor.
(h) That is, from a poor and base estate or out of trouble and prison as Joseph did, Ge 41:14. (i) Meaning, that is born a king. I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. I considered all the living who walk under the sun, {k} with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
(k) Who follow and flatter the king's son, or him that will succeed to enter into credit with them in hope of gain. There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. There is no {l} end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. (l) They never cease by all means to creep into favour, but when they do not obtain their greedy desires they think themselves abused, as others have been in times past, and so care no more for him. The Geneva Bible Translation Notes [1599] Bible Hub |
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