1 So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth.This is what I saw:The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them;no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors.
2 So I considered those who are dead and gonemore fortunate than those who are still alive.
3 But better than both is the one who has not been bornand has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.
4 Then I considered all the skillful work that is done:Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another.This also is profitless – like chasing the wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and does no work,so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.
6 Better is one handful with some restthan two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.
7 So I again considered another futile thing on earth: