1. Then I returned and saw 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 than them both did I esteem him which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4. Then I saw all labour and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6. Better is an handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and striving after wind.
7. Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
8. There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.