| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | NET Bible |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4Then 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[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7So I again considered another futile thing on earth: |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8A 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[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind. |
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