I feel torn between the two, ¹  because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation.

and women received back their dead raised to life. ¹  But others were tortured, not accepting release, to obtain resurrection to a better life. ² 

The Beloved to Her Lover: ¹  Oh, how I wish you ²  would kiss me passionately! ³  For your lovemaking ⁴  is more delightful ⁵  than wine. ⁶ 

He said to them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Even Ephraim’s leftover grapes ¹  are better quality than Abiezer’s harvest! ² 

I have concluded ¹  that there is nothing better for people ²  than ³  to be happy and to enjoy themselves ⁴  as long as they live,

It is better to be content with ¹  what the eyes can see ²  than for one’s heart always to crave more. ³  This continual longing ⁴  is futile – like ⁵  chasing the wind.

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” ¹  for it is not wise to ask that. ² 

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine; the fragrance of your perfume is better than any spice!

What then? Are we better off? Certainly not, for we have already charged that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin,

But if they do not have self-control, let them get married. For it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire. ¹ 

So then, the one who marries ¹  his own virgin does well, but the one who does not, does better. ² 

for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

So it was necessary for the sketches ¹  of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices, ²  but the heavenly things themselves required ³  better sacrifices than these.

The law you have revealed is more important to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. ¹ 

Then Samuel said, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience? ¹  Certainly, ²  obedience ³  is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than ⁴  the fat of rams.

Laban replied, “I’d rather give her to you than to another man. ¹  Stay with me.”

ט (Tet) Those who died by the sword ¹  are better off than those who die of hunger, ²  those who ³  waste away, ⁴  struck down ⁵  from lack of ⁶  food. ⁷ 

So now, Lord, kill me instead, ¹  because I would rather die than live!” ² 

Now food will not bring us close to God. We are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do.