Ecclesiastes 4
aligned by seat — same row, same verse, whatever each bible numbers it
| v | JPS1917 |
|---|---|
| 1 | But 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 that are already dead more than the living that are yet alive; |
| 3 | but better than they both is he that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. |
| 4 | Again, I considered all labour and all excelling in work, that it is a man’s rivalry with his neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. |
| 5 | The fool foldeth his hands together, And eateth his own flesh. |
| 6 | Better is a handful of quietness, Than both the hands full of labour and striving after wind. |
| 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 labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches: ‘for whom then do I labour, and bereave my soul of pleasure?’ This also is vanity, yea, it is a grievous business. |
| 9 | Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. |
| 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 child 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; although in his kingdom he was born poor. |
| 15 | I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the child, the second, that was to stand up in his stead. |
| 16 | There was no end of all the people, even of all them whom he did lead; yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. |
| 17 | Guard thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be ready to hearken: it is better than when fools give sacrifices; for they know not that they do evil. |