And I (A)thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But (B)better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.

Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is (C)vanity[a] and a striving after wind.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 4:4 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 7, 8, 16 (see note on 1:2)

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
Retail: $114.99
Our Price: $54.73
Save: $60.26 (52%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, brown
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $55.98
Save: $24.01 (30%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
Retail: $199.60
Our Price: $91.60
Save: $108.00 (54%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars
Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $3.00 (33%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Gospel of John, Paperback
ESV Gospel of John, Paperback
Retail: $3.99
Our Price: $1.17
Save: $2.82 (71%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars