“Because of the (A)multitude of oppressions they cry out;
They cry for help because of the arm (B)of the mighty.

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“People cry out(A) under a load of oppression;(B)
    they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.(C)

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“Because of the (A)devastation of the poor, because of the groaning of the needy,
Now (B)I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will (C)put him in the safety for which he longs.”

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“Because the poor are plundered(A) and the needy groan,(B)
    I will now arise,(C)” says the Lord.
    “I will protect them(D) from those who malign them.”

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16 Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is (A)wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.

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16 And I saw something else under the sun:

In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
    in the place of justice—wickedness was there.

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If you see (A)oppression of the poor and (B)denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be (C)shocked at the [a]sight; for one [b]official watches over another [c]official, and there are higher [d]officials over them.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit delight
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit high one
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit high one
  4. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Lit ones

Riches Are Meaningless

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.

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For the (A)vineyard of the Lord of armies is the house of Israel,
And the people of Judah are His delightful plant.
So He waited for justice, but behold, there was (B)bloodshed;
For righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.

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The vineyard(A) of the Lord Almighty
    is the nation of Israel,
and the people of Judah
    are the vines he delighted in.
And he looked for justice,(B) but saw bloodshed;
    for righteousness,(C) but heard cries of distress.(D)

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