Ecclesiastes 4:6-16 in English

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.

⁷ So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; and for whom do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? this is also vanity, and an evil trouble.

⁹ Two are better than one, seeing they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.

¹¹ Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: but how shall one be warmed alone?

¹² And if one should prevail against him, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.

¹⁴ For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because he also that was in his kingdom has become poor.

¹⁵ I beheld all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.

¹⁶ There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them: and the last shall not rejoice in him: for this also is vanity and waywardness of spirit.

⁶ Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

⁷ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

¹⁵ I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

⁶ Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

⁷ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

¹⁵ I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

⁶ Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.

⁷ So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; and for whom do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? this is also vanity, and an evil trouble.

⁹ Two are better than one, seeing they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.

¹¹ Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: but how shall one be warmed alone?

¹² And if one should prevail against him, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.

¹⁴ For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because he also that was in his kingdom has become poor.

¹⁵ I *saw all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.

¹⁶ There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them: and the last shall not rejoice in him: for this also is vanity and waywardness of spirit.

⁶ Better is an handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and striving after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth: but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living which walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

⁶ So I say, “It is better to be content with not having much money, than to work very hard and try to get a lot of money, which is as useless as chasing the wind.”

⁷ I thought about something else that happens on the earth MTY that seems senseless.

⁸ There are men who live alone; they do not have a wife or children or any brothers living with them; every day they work very hard, without stopping, to get a lot of money, but they are never satisfied with the things that they have. They never ask themselves, “Why am I working very hard to earn more money? Why am I not doing things that would cause me to be happy?” What they do also seems senseless.

⁹ Having someone work with you is better than being by yourself all the time. If you have a friend, he can help you to do your work.

¹⁰ If you fall down, he can help you get up again. But if you fall down when you are alone, it will be difficult for you, because there will,be no one to help you stand up.

¹¹ Similarly, if two people sleep together, they can keep each other warm. But someone who sleeps alone will certainly not RHQ be warm.

¹² Someone who is alone can easily be attacked and defeated by another person, but two people can help each other and ◄resist/defend themselves against► someone who attacks them. Three people can defend themselves even more easily, like a rope that is made from three cords is harder to break than a rope made from two cords.

¹³ A young man who is poor but wise is a better person than a foolish old king who refuses to pay attention when people try to give him good advice.

¹⁴ It is possible for a young man like that to succeed and some day become king, even if his parents were poor or even if he was in prison some of the time.

¹⁵ But then some other young man becomes king, and everyone ◄starts to support/is pleased with► him.

¹⁶ Large crowds of people crowd around him. But after a few years, they will reject him, too. So it is all senseless, like chasing after the wind.

⁶ Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.

⁷ So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; and for whom do I labour, and deprive my soul of good? this is also vanity, and an evil trouble.

⁹ Two are better than one, seeing they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.

¹¹ Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: but how shall one be warmed alone?

¹² And if one should prevail against him, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.

¹⁴ For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because he also that was in his kingdom has become poor.

¹⁵ I *saw all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.

¹⁶ There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them: and the last shall not rejoice in him: for this also is vanity and waywardness of spirit.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labour and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.

⁷ Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.

⁸ It is one who is by himself, without a second, and without son or brother; but there is no end to all his work, and he has never enough of wealth. For whom, then, am I working and keeping myself from pleasure? This again is to no purpose, and a bitter work.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work.

¹⁰ And if one has a fall, the other will give him a hand; but unhappy is the man who is by himself, because he has no helper.

¹¹ So again, if two are sleeping together they are warm, but how may one be warm by himself?

¹² And two attacked by one would be safe, and three cords twisted together are not quickly broken.

¹³ A young man who is poor and wise is better than a king who is old and foolish and will not be guided by the wisdom of others.

¹⁴ Because out of a prison the young man comes to be king, though by birth he was only a poor man in the kingdom.

¹⁵ I saw all the living under the sun round the young man who was to be ruler in place of the king.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, of all those whose head he was, but they who come later will have no delight in him. This again is to no purpose and desire for wind.

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.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and who hath not another to lift him up!

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one alone be warm?

¹² And if a man overpower the one, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth no more how to be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of the prison-house he came forth to reign, although he was born poor in his kingdom.

¹⁵ I saw all the living that walk under the sun, with the child, the second, that should stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There is no end of all the people, of all that stood before them; those however that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after the wind.

⁶ Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.

⁷ Considering I found also another vanity under the sun:

⁸ There is but one, and he hath not a second, no child, no brother, and yet he ceaseth not to labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches, neither doth he reflect, saying: For whom do I labour, and defraud my soul of good things? in this also is vanity, and a grievous vexation.

⁹ It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society:

¹⁰ If one fall he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to lift him up.

¹¹ And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed?

¹² And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.

¹³ Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.

¹⁴ Because out of prison and chains sometimes a man cometh forth to a kingdom: and another born king is consumed with poverty.

¹⁵ I saw all men living, that walk under the sun with the second young man, who shall rise up in his place.

¹⁶ The number of the people, of all that were before him is infinite: and they that shall come afterwards, shall not rejoice in him: but this also is vanity, and vexation of spirit.

⁶ It's better to earn a little without stress than a lot with too much stress and chasing after the wind.

⁷ Then I turned to consider something else here on earth that is also frustratingly hard to understand.

⁸ What about someone who has no family to help him, no brother or son, who works all the time, but isn't satisfied with the money he makes. “Who am I working for?” he asks himself. “Why am I preventing myself from enjoying life?” Such a situation is hard to explain—it's an evil business!

⁹ Two are better than one, for they can help each other in their work.

¹⁰ If one of them falls down, the other can help them up, but how sad it is for someone who falls down and doesn't have anyone to help them up.

¹¹ In the same way, if two people lie down together, they keep each other warm, but you can't keep yourself warm if you're alone.

¹² Someone fighting against one other person may win, but not if they are fighting against two. A cord made of three strands can't be torn apart quickly.

¹³ A poor young person who's wise is better than an old and foolish king who no longer accepts advice.

¹⁴ He may even come out of prison to reign over his kingdom, even though he was born poor.

¹⁵ I observed everyone here on earth following the youth who takes his place.

¹⁶ He is surrounded by crowds of supporters, but the next generation isn't happy with him. This also illustrates the passing nature of life whose meaning is elusive, like pursuing the wind for understanding.

⁶ Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.

⁷ Againe I returned, and sawe vanitie vnder the sunne.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second, which hath neither sonne nor brother, yet is there none end of all his trauaile, neither can his eye be satisfied with riches: neither doeth he thinke, For whome doe I trauaile and defraude my soule of pleasure? this also is vanitie, and this is an euill trauaile.

⁹ Two are better then one: for they haue better wages for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fal, the one wil lift vp his felow: but wo vnto him that is alone: for he falleth, and there is not a second to lift him vp.

¹¹ Also if two sleepe together, then shall they haue heate: but to one how should there be heate?

¹² And if one ouercome him, two shall stand against him: and a threefolde coard is not easily broken.

¹³ Better is a poore and wise childe, then an olde and foolish King, which will no more be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of the prison he commeth forth to reigne: when as he that is borne in his kingdome, is made poore.

¹⁵ I behelde all the liuing, which walke vnder the sunne, with the second childe, which shall stand vp in his place.

¹⁶ There is none ende of all the people, nor of all that were before them, and they that come after, shall not reioyce in him: surely this is also vanitie and vexation of spirit.

⁶ Better is a handful of quietness, than both the hands full of labour and striving after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches: 'for whom then do I labour, and bereave my soul of pleasure?' This also is vanity, yea, it is a grievous business.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came forth to be king; although in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the child, the second, that was to stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them whom he did lead; yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

⁷ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

¹⁵ I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

⁶ Better is a handful of quiet, than both the hands full of toil and torture of spirit.

⁷ Then I turned about, and I saw a vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and he hath not a companion; yea, he hath neither son nor brother: yet is there no end to all his toil; his eye also is not satisfied with riches. Yet for whom do I toil, and deprive my soul of good? Also this is vanity, yea, it is a bad employment.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they will have a good reward for their toil.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to the single one that falleth; for he hath no companion to lift him up.

¹¹ Also, if two lie together, then will they become warm; but how can one person alone become warm?

¹² And if a man could overpower him, the single one, two would stand up against him: and a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn asunder.

¹³ Better is a poor and a wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to be admonished any more.

¹⁴ For out of the prison cometh the one to reign: whereas also in his kingdom the other becometh poor.

¹⁵ I have seen all the living who walk under the sun, being with the second child that is to stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There was no end to all the people, belonging to all that have been before them: they also that come after will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a torture of the spirit.—

⁶ Better is a handful of rest Than two handfuls of trouble And waywardness of spirit.

⁷ So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone, and there is not a second; Yea, he has neither son nor brother: Yet there is no end to all his labor; Neither is his eye satisfied with wealth; And for whom do I labor, And deprive my soul of good? This is also vanity, And an evil trouble.

⁹ Two are better than one, Seeing they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: But woe to him that is alone when he falls, And there is not a second to lift him up.

¹¹ Also if two should lie together, they also get heat: But how shall one be warmed alone?

¹² And if one should prevail against him, The two shall withstand him; And a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise child Than an old and foolish king, Who knows not how to take heed any longer.

¹⁴ For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, Because he also that was in his kingdom has become poor.

¹⁵ I beheld all the living Who were walking under the sun, With the second youth Who shall stand up in each one’s place.

¹⁶ There is no end to all the people, To all who were before them: And the last shall not rejoice in him: For this also is vanity and waywardness of spirit.

⁶ Better is a hand full of quietness, than both hands full of weariness and striving after wind.

⁷ Then I turned and saw other vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and no one with him; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end to all his labor, and his eye is not satisfied with riches. “For whom, then saith he, do I labor and deprive myself of good?” This also is vanity; yea, it is an evil thing!

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift his fellow up; but woe to him who is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to help him up!

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if an enemy prevail against one, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a child poor but wise, than a king old and foolish, who will no more be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of prison cometh forth such a one to reign; for in his own kingdom he was born a poor man.

¹⁵ I saw that all the living, who walk under the sun, were with the child who stood up in his stead.

¹⁶ There was no end to all the people before whom he went forth; yet they that come afterwards shall not rejoice in him. This also is vanity, and striving after wind.

⁶ But better is a handful of profit with quiet work than two handfuls with the work that tries to shepherd the wind.

⁷ Then I thought again about more futility, more vanishing vapor under the sun.

⁸ There is the kind of man who is alone. He does not have anyone, no son or brother. There is no end to all his work, and his eyes are not satisfied with gaining wealth. He wonders, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vapor, a bad situation.

⁹ Two people work better than one; together they can earn a good pay for their labor.

¹⁰ For if one falls, the other can lift up his friend. However, sorrow follows the one who is alone when he falls if there is no one to lift him up.

¹¹ If two lie down together, they can be warm, but how can one be warm alone?

¹² One man alone can be overpowered, but two can withstand an attack, and a three-strand rope is not quickly broken.

¹³ It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to listen to warnings.

¹⁴ This is true even if the young man becomes king from prison, or even if he was born poor in his kingdom.

¹⁵ I saw everyone who was alive and was walking around under the sun, along with a youth who was to rise up to take his place.

¹⁶ There is no end to all the people who want to obey the new king, but later many of them will no longer praise him. Surely this situation is vapor and an attempt to shepherd the wind.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labour and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.

⁷ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one alone , and there is not a second; yes, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he , For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a grievous labor.

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him to rise.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone ?

¹² And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and a wise child, than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

¹⁴ For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

¹⁵ I considered all the living who walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

¹⁶ There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and chasing after wind.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

⁸ There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labour and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.

¹⁴ For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

⁶ and saith, Better is an handful, with rest, than ever either hand full, with travail and torment of soul.

⁷ I beheld and found also another vanity under the sun;

⁸ one there is, and he hath not a second; neither a son, nor a brother; and nevertheless he ceaseth not to travail, neither his eyes be filled with riches; neither he bethinketh him, and saith, To whom travail I, and deceive my soul in goods? In this also is vanity, and the worst torment.

⁹ Therefore it is better, that two be together than one; for they have profit of their fellowship.

¹⁰ If one falleth down, he shall be underset of the tother; woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to raise him up.

¹¹ And if twain sleep together, they shall be nourished together; how shall one be made hot?

¹² And if any man hath the mastery against one, twain or two against-stand him; a threefold cord is broken of hard.

¹³ A poor man and wise is better than an eld or old king and foolish, that cannot before-see into time to coming or after.

¹⁴ For sometime a man goeth out, both from prison and chains, to a realm; and another, born into a realm, is wasted by neediness.

¹⁵ I saw all men living that go under the sun, with the second young waxing man, that shall rise for him.

¹⁶ The number of people, of all that were before him, is great without measure, and they that shall come afterward, shall not be glad in him; but also this is vanity and torment of the spirit.

⁶ and saith, Better is an handful, with rest, than ever either hand full, with travail and torment of soul.

⁷ I beheld and found also another vanity under the sun; (I looked and found more emptiness and futility under the sun;)

⁸ one there is, and he hath not a second; neither a son, nor a brother; and nevertheless he ceaseth not to travail, neither his eyes be (ful)filled with riches; neither he bethinketh ( to) him (self), and saith, To whom travail I, and deceive my soul in goods? In this also is vanity, and the worst torment. (one is alone, and he hath not a second, or someone with him; neither a son, nor a brother; and yet he ceaseth not to labour, and his eyes be not fulfilled with his riches; nor he thinketh to himself, and saith, For whom do I labour, and deprive myself of the enjoyment of good things? This is also empty and futile, and the worst torment.)

⁹ Therefore it is better, that two be together than one; for they have profit of their fellowship. (And so it is better, that two be together, rather than that they be alone; for they shall have profit, or shall benefit, from their fellowship.)

¹⁰ If one falleth down, he shall be underset of the tother; woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to raise him up. (If one falleth down, he shall be helped up by the other; woe to him who is alone, for when he falleth, he hath no one to raise him up again.)

¹¹ And if twain sleep together, they shall be nourished together; (but) how shall one be made hot?

¹² And if any man hath the mastery against one, twain against-stand him; a threefold cord is broken of hard (or a threefold cord is much harder to break).

¹³ A poor man and wise is better than an eld king and fool(ish), that cannot before-see into time to coming. (A poor person who is wise, is better than an old king who is foolish, and who cannot foresee into the time to come, or who will not listen to good advice.)

¹⁴ For sometime a man goeth out, both from prison and chains, to a realm (or and becometh a king); and another, born into a realm, is wasted by neediness.

¹⁵ I saw all men living that go under the sun, with the second young waxing man, that shall rise (up) for him. (I saw all the living who go under the sun, and yet for each, someone young shall rise up, and shall take their place.)

¹⁶ The number of people, of all that were before him, is great without measure, and they that shall come afterward, shall not be glad in him; but also this is vanity and torment of the spirit. (The number of all the people, who be under him, is great without measure, and yet they who shall come after him, shall not be grateful to him; but this is also empty and futile, like chasing the wind.)

⁶ 'Better is a handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.'

⁷ And I have turned, and I see a vain thing under the sun:

⁸ There is one, and there is not a second; even son or brother he hath not, and there is no end to all his labour! His eye also is not satisfied with riches, and he saith not, 'For whom am I labouring and bereaving my soul of good?' This also is vanity, it is a sad travail.

⁹ The two are better than the one, in that they have a good reward by their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one raiseth up his companion, but woe to the one who falleth and there is not a second to raise him up!

¹¹ Also, if two lie down, then they have heat, but how hath one heat?

¹² And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.

¹³ Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who hath not known to be warned any more.

¹⁴ For from a house of prisoners he hath come out to reign, for even in his own kingdom he hath been poor.

¹⁵ I have seen all the living, who are walking under the sun, with the second youth who doth stand in his place;

¹⁶ there is no end to all the people, to all who were before them; also, the latter rejoice not in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.