3 But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.
4 I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a man’s jealousy of his friend. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
5 The fool folds his arms and consumes his own flesh.
6 Better one handful with restthan two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind.
7 Again, I saw futility under the sun:
8 There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “So who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself from good? ” This too is futile and a miserable task.
9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.