I saw that all the labor,
And all of the skillful deeds;
Brings envy from your neighbor,
That sows the jealousy seeds.
This is a futile way,
And a pursuit of the wind;
Of someone the goes astray,
With numerous times has sinned.
The foolish man folds his arms,
As he consumes his own meat;
Not caring of who he harms,
And eager to trip their feet.
Better one handful to rest,
Than two handfuls with effort;
Pursuing to do your best,
For having peace and comfort.
Vanity under the sun,
I have seen every day;
Conceited ways some have done,
That have led to disobey.
Someone with no companion,
Without a son or brother;
Takes them down the dark canyon,
With no father or mother.
For he struggles to no end,
His eyes not content with wealth;
All alone without a friend,
Having no spiritual health.
So, who is he struggling for,
Depriving himself from good;
Such a miserable chore,
In doing of what he should.
Better is a poor wise youth,
Than as an old foolish king;
And better to tell the truth,
Than hearing the jailbird sing.
For the living move about,
With walking under the sun;
Always raising so much doubt,
Everything God has done.
Copyright © 2018 Richard Newton Sherrer