The evil of oppression
1
So I turned and considered all the oppressions that are wrought vnder the sunne, and beholde the teares of the oppressed, and none comforteth and lo, the strength is of the hand of them that oppresse them, and none comforteth them.
2
Wherefore I praysed the dead which now are dead, aboue the liuing, which are yet aliue.
3
And I count him better then them both, which hath not yet for he hath not seene the euill workes which are wrought vnder the sunne.
4
Also I beheld all trauaile, and all perfection of workes that this is ye enuie of a man against his this also is vanitie and vexation of spirit.
5
The foole foldeth his hands, and eateth vp his owne flesh.
6
Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.
7
Againe I returned, and sawe vanitie vnder the sunne.
8
There is one alone, and there is not a second, which hath neither sonne nor brother, yet is there none end of all his trauaile, neither can his eye be satisfied with neither doeth he thinke, For whome doe I trauaile and defraude my soule of pleasure? this also is vanitie, and this is an euill trauaile.
9
Two are better then for they haue better wages for their labour.
10
For if they fal, the one wil lift vp his but wo vnto him that is for he falleth, and there is not a second to lift him vp.
11
Also if two sleepe together, then shall they haue but to one how should there be heate?
12
And if one ouercome him, two shall stand against and a threefolde coard is not easily broken.
The futility of power
13
Better is a poore and wise childe, then an olde and foolish King, which will no more be admonished.
14
For out of the prison he commeth forth to when as he that is borne in his kingdome, is made poore.
15
I behelde all the liuing, which walke vnder the sunne, with the second childe, which shall stand vp in his place.
16
There is none ende of all the people, nor of all that were before them, and they that come after, shall not reioyce in surely this is also vanitie and vexation of spirit. Take heede to thy foote when thou entrest into the House of God, and be more neere to heare then to giue the sacrifice of for they knowe not that they doe euil.