NET Bible
"But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth."
— Ecclesiastes 4:3, NET Bible
“Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.”
“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. ”
“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.”
“And I judged him happier than them both, that is not yet born, nor hath seen the evils that are done under the sun.”
“Yes, happier than the dead or the living seemed he who has not ever been, who has not seen the evil which is done under the sun.”
“Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.”
Evil Oppression on Earth So 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.
So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive.
But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.
Labor Motivated by Envy Then 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.
The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.
Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.