Dorsey Translation of Ecclesiastes:
4. Selfishness
4:7 I thought about another example of a person who seems to have much but actually has nothing. 8 It is the man who lives by himself, has no children or relatives, works night and day, but is never satisfied with his wealth. He never stops to ask, “For whom am I doing all this work? For whom am I depriving myself of life’s joys?” Soon both he and his wealth will be gone like a vapor. It is a great tragedy. 9 Two people together are better than one, because they can accomplish more as a team. 10 If one falls down, the other can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together on a cold night they can keep each other warm; but how can one person keep warm by himself? 12 And although one person may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. And a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
5. Fickleness of people’s loyalty
13 A young man who is poor but wise is better than a wealthy king who is old and foolish, who no longer listens to advice. 14 Once there was a wise youth who came from prison to become king. The young man had been born in poverty during the old king’s reign. 15 I saw that everyone who lived at that time supported this wise youth when he succeeded the old king; 16 all the people in the kingdom were very loyal to him. But afterwards the people turned against him and no longer delighted in him. People’s loyalty and adoration are as fleeting as a vapor.
6. Hypocrisy and insincerity before God
5:1 Be careful when you come to God’s temple; obedience is better than the sacrifices offered by fools. Fools are experts in wrongdoing. 2 Do not be like them; do not be glib in what you say to God, or hasty in what you promise. Remember, God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. 3 The fool comes with much fanfare, making insincere promises with many words. 4 But when you make a vow to God, do not delay in keeping it. God is not pleased with fools; so fulfill your vows. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not keep it. 6 Do not let your mouth get you into trouble; do not try to tell God that you didn’t intend to make the vow. Why should God be angered at what you say and take away what you have achieved? 7 So avoid empty promises and long, insincere speeches. Instead, respect God and submit to his authority.
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