4. I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a man’s jealousy of his friend. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
5. The fool folds his arms and consumes his own flesh.
6. Better one handful with restthan two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind.
7. Again, I saw futility under the sun:
8. There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “So who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself from good? ” This too is futile and a miserable task.
9. Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
10. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
11. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?
12. And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
13. Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.