1  And I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors was power, and they had no comforter. 2  Then I praised the dead who are already dead more than the living who are yet alive; 3  and more fortunate than both is he who hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

4  And I saw all labour, and all success of work, that it is man’s jealousy of his neighbour. This also is vanity and pursuit of the wind. 5  The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. 6  Better is a handful with quietness, than both hands full with labour and pursuit of the wind.

7  And I returned and saw vanity under the sun. 8  There is one alone and without a second; also he hath neither son nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, and he saith not, For whom then am I labouring, and depriving my soul of good? This also is vanity and a grievous occupation.