Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
English Standard Version
4 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.
5 The fool (B)folds his hands and (C)eats his own flesh.
6 (D)Better is a handful of (E)quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
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- 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)
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
International Standard Version
4 Then I examined all sorts of work, including all kinds of excellent achievements that create envy in others.[a] This also is pointless and chasing after the wind. 5 The fool crosses his arms[b] and starves himself.[c] 6 It’s better to have one handful of tranquility than to have two handfuls of trouble and to chase after the wind.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ecclesiastes 4:4 Lit. envy of a man by his neighbor
- Ecclesiastes 4:5 Lit. folds his hands
- Ecclesiastes 4:5 Lit. eats his own flesh
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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