For in many dreams and in many words there is [a]emptiness. Rather, [b](A)fear God.

If you see (B)oppression of the poor and (C)denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be (D)shocked at the [c]sight; for one [d]official watches over another [e]official, and there are higher [f]officials over them. After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Lit vanity
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Or revere
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit delight
  4. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit high one
  5. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit high one
  6. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit ones

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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