1.
So I returned, and considered 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 which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3.
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4.
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
A DISAPPOINTING WORLD
‘Vanity and vexation of spirit.’
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Among the examples in proof of the imperfection and inconstancy of earthly happiness which the Preacher communicates in the above section from the rich treasures of his own experience we find the relation of an ascending grade from lower to higher and more brilliant conditions of happiness.
I. From the sad lot of victims innocently suffering from tyrannical persecution and oppression (1–3), the description proceeds directly to the more lucky but not more innocent condition of persons consumed with envy, dissatisfaction, and jealousy, and who with toilsome efforts chase after the treasures of this earth.
II. Looking with jealous envy on the successful rivals of their struggles, and with scorn on those less fortunate, who are contented with a more modest lot (4–6).—Then follow reflections regarding the happiness of such persons as have risen through the abundance of their goods to a distinguished and influential position in human society, but
III. Who, in consequence of this very wealth, run the risk of falling into a helpless, joyless, and isolated condition, destitute of friends and adherents (7, 8).
IV. The illustration hereby induced of the value of closer social connection of men and harmonious co-operation of their powers to one end (9–12) leads to the closing reflection; this is devoted to the distress and disaster of the highest circles of human society, acknowledging the fate even of the most favoured pets of fortune, such as the occupants of princely or kingly thrones, to be uncertain and liable to a reverse, and thus showing that
V. The sentence against the vanity of all earthly things necessarily extends even to the greatest and most powerful of earth (13–16).
5.
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
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.