Ecclesiastes 4:1-10 ▼

1 But 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 that are already dead more than the living that are yet alive;

3 but better than they both is he that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

4 Again, I considered all labour and all excelling in work, that it is a man's rivalry with 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 a handful of quietness, Than both the hands full of 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 is his eye satisfied with riches: 'for whom then do I labour, and bereave my soul of pleasure?' This also is vanity, yea, it is a grievous business.

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, and hath not another to lift him up.