1
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I turned myself to other things, and I saw the oppressions that are done under the sun, and the tears of the innocent, and they had no comforter; and they were not able to resist their violence, being destitute of help from any.
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2
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And I praised the dead rather than the living:
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3
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And I judged him happier than them both, that is not yet born, nor hath seen the evils that are done under the sun.
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4
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Again I considered all the labours of men, and I remarked that their industries are exposed to the envy of their neighbour: so in this also there is vanity, and fruitless care.
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5
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The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh, saying:
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6
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Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.
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7
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Considering I found also another vanity under the sun:
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8
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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.
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9
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It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society:
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10
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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.
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11
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And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed?
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12
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And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.
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13
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Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.
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14
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Because out of prison and chains sometimes a man cometh forth to a kingdom: and another born king is consumed with poverty.
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15
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I saw all men living, that walk under the sun with the second young man, who shall rise up in his place.
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16
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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.
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