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Ecclesiastes 4 :: New English Translation (NET)

Ecc 4:1

Ecc 4:1So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: The oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors.

Ecc 4:2

Ecc 4:2So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive.

Ecc 4:3

Ecc 4:3But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.

Ecc 4:4

Ecc 4:4Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless - like chasing the wind.

Ecc 4:5

Ecc 4:5The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.

Ecc 4:6

Ecc 4:6Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.

Ecc 4:7

Ecc 4:7So I again considered another futile thing on earth:

Ecc 4:8

Ecc 4:8A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is futile and a burdensome task!

Ecc 4:9

Ecc 4:9Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor.

Ecc 4:10

Ecc 4:10For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up.

Ecc 4:11

Ecc 4:11Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself?

Ecc 4:12

Ecc 4:12Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.

Ecc 4:13

Ecc 4:13A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice.

Ecc 4:14

Ecc 4:14For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

Ecc 4:15

Ecc 4:15I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place.

Ecc 4:16

Ecc 4:16There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.
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Pericope

Pericope taken from the NASB95 and has been graciously provided by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible
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by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif.
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