1 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.
2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3 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.
4 Again, I considered all travail (agony, stress, struggle, suffering), and every right work, that for this a man is envied (despised) of his neighbour. This is also vanity (arrogance, self-admiration, narcissism) and vexation (abuse, harassment) of spirit.
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail (agony, stress, struggle, suffering) and vexation (abuse, harassment) of spirit.
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 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.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished (scolded, reprimand, warned, checked, counseled).
14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3 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.
4 Again, I considered all travail (agony, stress, struggle, suffering), and every right work, that for this a man is envied (despised) of his neighbour. This is also vanity (arrogance, self-admiration, narcissism) and vexation (abuse, harassment) of spirit.
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail (agony, stress, struggle, suffering) and vexation (abuse, harassment) of spirit.
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 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.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished (scolded, reprimand, warned, checked, counseled).
14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.