Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 ▼

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

10 If they stumble, the first will lift up his friend—but woe to anyone who is alone when he falls and there is no one to help him get up.

11 Again, if two lie close together, they will keep warm, but how can only one stay warm?

12 If someone attacks one of them, the two of them together will resist. Furthermore, the tri-braided cord is not soon broken.

13 A poor but wise youth is better than an old but foolish king who will no longer accept correction.

14 The former can come out of prison to reign, while the latter, even if born to kingship, may become poor.

15 I observed everyone who lives and walks on earth, along with the youth who will take the king's place.

16 There was no end to all of his subjects or to all of the people who had come before them. But those who come along afterward will not be happy with him. This is also pointless and a chasing after wind.