There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

Therefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his lot: for who can bring him to see what shall be after him?

Yea, better is he than both, who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

Better is a handful with quietness, than both hands full with toil and grasping for the wind.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.

Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no longer be admonished.

Better is it that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

If a man begets a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, and his soul is not filled with good, and also that he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn birth is better than he.

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and grasping after the wind.

Since there are many things that increase vanity, how is man the better?

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Say you not, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands are fetters: whosoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him in his labor all the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroys much good.

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.