2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive;
3 yea, better than them both did I esteem him which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4 Then I saw all labour and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of 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 an handful with quietness, than two handfuls with 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 are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.