American Standard Version
"Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive; "
— Ecclesiastes 4:2, American Standard Version
“Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.”
“Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.”
“So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive.”
“And I praised the dead rather than the living:”
“So my praise was for the dead who have gone to their death, more than for the living who still have life.”
“Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.”
Then I returned and saw 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.
Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;
yea, better than them both did I esteem him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.