^{1 Ref} Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and, behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

^{2 Ref} Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

^{3 Ref} Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

^{4 Ref} Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

^{5 Ref} The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

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

^{7 Ref} Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

^{8 Ref} 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.