1Then I observed all the oppression that occurs under the sun; and saw the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and all the power was on the side of their oppressors! 2And I concluded that those who are already dead are better off than those who are still alive. 3But better yet is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. 4Again, I considered all the toil to accomplish a good work, that will just be envied by his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

5The fool folds his hands together, and ruins himself. 6Better is one handful with peace, than both the hands full with turmoil and chasing the wind.

7Then I observed yet another vanity under the sun: 8There was a solitary man who had neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor; nor is he satisfied with riches, nor does he say to himself, “For whom do I labor, and deprive my soul of good?” This is also vanity, yes, and a heavy burden. 9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor: 10If one falls, the other one can help him back up. But woe to him that is alone when he falls; abd has no one to help him up. 11Again, if two lie together, then they keep each other warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12And if one is overpowered, two can support each other; and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.

13Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who will no longer heed warnings. 14For the youth may come from out of prison or from poverty in the kingdom when he comes to reign. 15I saw all the living who walk under the sun following this youth that shall stand up in the king’s stead. 16There was no end of all the people who follow him. But then those who come after shall not be pleased with him as successor. Surely this also is vanity and chasing the wind.