Matthew Henry Commentary Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

"Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and, behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive; yea, better than them both [did I esteem] him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun." — Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 (ASV)

It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and misery of mankind, who try to create trouble for themselves and for each other. Being thus harshly treated, men are tempted to hate and despise life.

But a good man, though badly off while in this world, has no cause to wish he had never been born, since he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy at last, forever happy. Ungodly men have most cause to wish for the continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins.

If human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions in this world.