The Evil of Oppression

1So 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: 2and I praised all the dead that had already died more than the living, as many as are alive until now. 3Better 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.

4And I saw all labour, and all the diligent work, that this is a man's envy from his neighbour. This is also vanity and waywardness of spirit. 5The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh. 6Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.

7So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun. 8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; and for whom do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? this is also vanity, and an evil trouble.

9Two are better than one, seeing they have a good reward for their labour. 10For 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. 11Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: but how shall one be warmed alone? 12And if one should prevail against him, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.

The Futility of Power

13Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer. 14For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because he also that was in his kingdom has become poor. 15I beheld all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place. 16There 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.