Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is (A)vanity[a] and a striving after wind.

The fool (B)folds his hands and (C)eats his own flesh.

(D)Better is a handful of (E)quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

(F)Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his (G)eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, (H)“For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy (I)business.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, (J)but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 4:4 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 7, 8, 16 (see note on 1:2)

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Plum
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Plum
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $26.00 (58%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Action Study Bible Boys, Virtual Leather, Slate Gray
ESV Action Study Bible Boys, Virtual Leather, Slate Gray
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $19.83
Save: $25.16 (56%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
Retail: $199.60
Our Price: $87.60
Save: $112.00 (56%)
ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
Retail: $11.99
Our Price: $5.83
Save: $6.16 (51%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars