Ecclesiastes 4:1-8

1So 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.

2So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive.

3But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth.

4Then 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.

5The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh.

6Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.

7So I again considered another futile thing on earth:

8A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is futile and a burdensome task!