4:1 So 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.
4:2 Wherefore I praised the dead who are already dead more than
the living who are yet alive.
4:3 Yes, better is [he] than both they, who hath not yet been,
who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4:4 Again, I considered all labor, and every right work, that
for this a man is envied by his neighbor. This [is] also vanity
and vexation of spirit.
4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own
flesh.
4:6 Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than both the hands
full [with] toil and vexation of spirit.
4:7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
4:8 There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yes, he
hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all
his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither
[saith he], For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good?
This [is] also vanity, yes, it [is] a grievous labor.
4:9 Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward
for their labor.
4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe
to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not
another to help him to rise.
4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how
can one be warm [alone]?
4:12 And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him;
and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.
4:13 Better [is] a poor and a wise child, than an old and
foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
4:14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also [he that
is] born in his kingdom becometh poor.
4:15 I considered all the living who walk under the sun, with
the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
4:16 [There is] no end of all the people, [even] of all that
have been before them: they also that come after shall not
rejoice in him. Surely this also [is] vanity and vexation of
spirit.
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