So 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.

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

Then 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.

So I again considered another futile thing on earth:

I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place.