1. So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the shemesh, and, hinei, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no menachem (comforter); and on the side of their oppressors there was ko'ach (power); but they had no menachem (comforter).
2. Wherefore I praised the mesim which are already dead more than the living ones which are yet alive.
3. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the ma'aseh harah that is done under the shemesh.
4. Again, I considered all amal, and every kishron hama'aseh (skillful achievement), that such is a simple derivative of kinat ish meirei'eihu (the envy of man of his neighbor). This also is hevel, a chasing after ruach.
5. The kesil foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own basar.
6. Better is a handful with tranquility than both the hands full with amal and chasing after ruach.
7. Then I returned, and I saw under the shemesh this hevel: