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.

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

Yes, better is he than both they, who hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.

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

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

Better is it that thou shouldst not vow, than that thou shouldst vow and not pay.

If a man begetteth a hundred children, and liveth many years, so that the days of his years are many, and his soul is not filled with good, and also that he hath no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what 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 its beginning: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

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

And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoever pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

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

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