1 I turned myself to other things, and I saw the oppressions that are done under the sun, and the tears of the innocent, and they had no comforter; and they were not able to resist their violence, being destitute of help from any.
2 And I praised the dead rather than the living:
3 And I judged him happier than them both, that is not yet born, nor hath seen the evils that are done under the sun.
4 Again I considered all the labours of men, and I remarked that their industries are exposed to the envy of their neighhour: so in this also there is vanity, and fruitless care.
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh, saying:
6 Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.
7 Considering I found also another vanity under the sun:
8 There is but one, and he hath not a second, no child, no brother, and yet he ceaseth not to labour, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches, neither doth he reflect, saying: For whom do I labour, and defraud my soul of good things? in this also is vanity, and a grievous vexation.
9 It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society:
10 If one fall he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to lift him up.
11 And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed?
12 And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.
13 Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.
14 Because out of prison and chains sometimes a man cometh forth to a kingdom: and another born king is consumed with poverty.
15 I saw all men living, that walk under the sun with the second young man, who shall rise up in his place.
16 The number of the people, of all that were before him is infinite: and they that shall come afterwards, shall not rejoice in him: but this also is vanity, and vexation of spirit.
17 Keep thy foot, when thou goest into the house of God, and draw nigh to hear. For much better is obedience, than the victims of fools, who know not what evil they do.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiastes, 4:
Ecclesiastes 4 deals with the oppression and loneliness faced by human beings, as well as the importance of friendship and union. The author states that it is better to have company than living isolated, and that two people working together can have a better result than working alone. To complement this theme, five related verses follow:
Proverbs 17:17: "The friend loves at all times; he is a brother in adversity." This verse emphasizes the importance of friendship and company, which are fundamental to facing difficult times and overcoming loneliness.
Proverbs 27:17: "Just as iron sharpening iron, man sharpely his mate." This verse highlights the importance of having friends who can contribute to our personal and professional growth through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Galatians 6:2: "Take the heavy bales of each other and thus comply with the law of Christ." This verse emphasizes the importance of helping others in their difficulties, supporting each other in difficult times.
Proverbs 18:24: "There are friends who lead to ruin, and there are friends closer than a brother." This verse highlights the importance of choosing our friends well, looking for people who support us and help grow.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27: "For just as the body is a unity, although it has many members, and all members, even though they are many, form one body, as well as with respect to Christ." This verse compares the union of a group of people with the union of a body, noting that each member has an important function and that together can achieve great deeds.
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