If in a country thou seest the oppression of the poor, and the defrauding of judgment and justice, be not astonied at the matter: for he that is [a]higher than the highest, regardeth, and there be higher than they.

And the [b]abundance of the earth is over all: the king [c]also consisteth by the field that is tilled.

He that loveth silver, shall not be satisfied with silver, and he that loveth riches, shall be without the fruit thereof: this is also vanity.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Meaning, that God will redress these things, and therefore we must depend upon him.
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:8 The earth is to be preferred above all things which appertain to this life.
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Kings and Princes cannot maintain their estate without tillage, which thing commendeth the excellency of tillage.

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.(A)

Riches Are Meaningless

If you see the poor oppressed(B) in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

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