1Again, I observed all the acts of oppression being done under the sun.4:1 Jb 35:9; Ec 3:16; 5:8 Look at the tears of those who are oppressed; they have no one to comfort them. Power is with those who oppress them; they have no one to comfort them.
2So I commended the dead,4:2 Jb 3:11–26 who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive.
The Loneliness of Wealth
and consumes his own flesh.4:5 Is 9:20
6Better one handful with rest
than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind.4:6 Pr 15:16–17
7Again, I saw futility under the sun:
8There is a person without a companion,4:8 Lit person, but there is not a second, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches.4:8 Pr 27:20; Ec 1:8; 5:10 “Who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself of good things?” This too is futile and a miserable task.
9Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
10For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
11Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?4:11 1Kg 1:1–4
12And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
13Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.4:13 Ec 9:15
14For he came from prison to be king,4:14 Gn 41:14,41–43 even though he was born poor in his kingdom.
15I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow4:15 Lit with a second youth who succeeds him.
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