Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness

4 Again I looked and saw all the oppression^(A) that was taking place under the sun:

¹⁶ And I saw something else under the sun:

Riches Are Meaningless

⁸ If you see the poor oppressed^(A) 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.

⁴ Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers^(A) who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries^(B) of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.^(C)

¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.^{(A) 17} But the Lord stood at my side^(B) and gave me strength,^(C) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(D) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^(E)

⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”^(A) Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.