1. Then I returned and saw 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 have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;
3. yea, better than them both did I esteem him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4. Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.