2. So I considered those who are dead and gonemore fortunate than those who are still alive.
3. But better than both is the one who has not been bornand has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.
4. Then I considered all the skillful work that is done:Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another.This also is profitless – like chasing the wind.
5. The fool folds his hands and does no work,so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.
6. Better is one handful with some restthan two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.
7. So I again considered another futile thing on earth:
8. A man who is all alone with no companion,he has no children nor siblings;yet there is no end to all his toil,and he is never satisfied with riches.He laments, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?”This also is futile and a burdensome task!
9. Two people are better than one,because they can reap more benefit from their labor.