Ecclesiastes 4
All 16 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.
Read Ecclesiastes 4 in the Bible reader, with audio →
- 1So I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And I saw 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.
- 2So I praised the dead who have already died more than the living who are still alive.
- 3Yet better than both of them is the one who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
- 4Again, I considered all labor and every right work, that for this a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
- 5The fool folds his hands together and eats his own flesh.
- 6Better is a handful with quietness than both hands full with labor and chasing the wind.
- 7Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
- 8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother; yet there is no end to all his labor, nor is his eye satisfied with riches; nor does he say, 'For whom do I labor and deprive my soul of good?' This also is vanity; yes, it is a sore travail.
- 9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
- 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has not another to help him up.
- 11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone?
- 12And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
- 13Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king who will no longer be admonished.
- 14For out of prison he comes to reign, whereas also he who is born in his kingdom becomes poor.
- 15I considered all the living who walk under the sun, with the second child who shall stand up in his place.
- 16There is no end of all the people, even of all who have been before them; those also who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and chasing the wind.