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The American Standard Version of 1901

Ecclesiastes 4

1

Then I returned and saw 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 have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;

3

yea, 1 better than them both did I esteem him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. 1) Or better than they both is he that etc

4

Then I saw all labor and every 1 skilful work, that 2 for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. 1) Or successful 2) Or it cometh of a man's rivalry with his neighbor

5

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

6

Better is a handful, 1 with quietness, than two handfuls 1 with labor and striving after wind. 1) Or of

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 labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he , do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

9

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

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.

11

Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone ?

12

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13

Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

14

For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

15

I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.

16

1 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. 1) Or There is no end, in the mind of all the people, to all that hath been before them; they also etc



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