Catholic Public Domain Version
"While considering this, I also discovered another vanity under the sun. "
— Ecclesiastes 4:7, Catholic Public Domain Version
“Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.”
“Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun. ”
“Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.”
“Labor Motivated by Greed So I again considered another futile thing on earth:”
“Considering I found also another vanity under the sun:”
“Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.”
“Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.”
Again, I was contemplating all the labors of men. And I took notice that their endeavors are open to the envy of their neighbor. And so, in this, too, there is emptiness and superfluous anxiety.
The foolish man folds his hands together, and he consumes his own flesh, saying:
“A handful with rest is better than both hands filled with labors and with affliction of the soul.”
While considering this, I also discovered another vanity under the sun.
He is one, and he does not have a second: no son, no brother. And yet he does not cease to labor, nor are his eyes satisfied with wealth, nor does he reflect, saying: “For whom do I labor and cheat my soul of good things?” In this, too, is emptiness and a most burdensome affliction.
Therefore, it is better for two to be together, than for one to be alone. For they have the advantage of their companionship.
If one falls, he shall be supported by the other. Woe to one who is alone. For when he falls, he has no one to lift him up.