4 And I turned and saw all the deeds of oppression
that are done under the sun.
Look, the tears of the oppressed,
and there is no comforter for them;
yes, (in) the hand of their oppressors is the power,
and there is no comforter for them.
²I myself congratulated the dead people,
who had already died,
more than the living people, who were still alive.
³Better than both of them
is the one who hasn’t yet come into being,
who hasn’t seen the evil activity that occurs under the sun.

Eternal God and Fatther,
you create us by your power,
and redeem us by your love,
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves in love and service
to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.