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.
2. Wherefore I praised the
dead which are already dead, more than the living which are yet alive.
3. Yea, better is he than
both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work
that is done under the sun.
4. Again, I considered all
travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his
neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
5. The fool foldeth his
hands together; and eateth his own flesh.
6. Better is an handful
with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of
spirit.
7. Then I returned, and I
saw vanity under the sun.
8. There is one alone, and
there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is
there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with
riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of
good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
9. Two are better than one;
because they have a good reward for their labour.
10. For it 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 up.
11. Again, if two lie
together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12. And if one prevail
against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not
quickly broken.
13. Better is a poor and a
wise child, than an old and foolish king, who will no more be
admonished.
14. For out of prison he
cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh
poor.
15. I considered all the
living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall
stand up in his stead.
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.
Sept. 20
Daily reading schedule.. go to chapter 5
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