Read Ecclesiastes chapter 4 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
Ecclesiastes 4 is part of “Times, Eternity, and Injustice” (3:1–4:16) in the outline of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 4 summary
Solomon, having shown the vanity of this world in the temptation which those in power feel to oppress and trample upon their subjects, here further shows, I. The temptation which the oppressed feel to discontent and impatience (Ecc 4:1-3). II. The temptation which those that love their case feel to take their case and neglect business, for fear of being envied (Ecc 4:4-6). III. The folly of hoarding up abundance of worldly wealth (Ecc 4:7, Ecc 4:8). IV. A remedy against that folly, in being made sensible of the benefit of society and mutual assistance (Ecc 4:9-12). V. The mutability even of royal dignity, not only through the folly of the prince himself (Ecc 4:13, Ecc 4:14), but through the fickleness of the people, let the prince be ever so discreet (Ecc 4:15, Ecc 4:16). It is not the prerogative even of kings themselves to be exempted from the vanity and vexation that attend these things; let none else then expect it.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
1 So I turned and considered all the oppressions that are wrought vnder the sunne, and beholde the teares of the oppressed, and none comforteth them: and lo, the strength is of the hand of them that oppresse them, and none comforteth them.
2 Wherefore I praysed the dead which now are dead, aboue the liuing, which are yet aliue.
3 And I count him better then them both, which hath not yet bin: for he hath not seene the euill workes which are wrought vnder the sunne.
4 Also I beheld all trauaile, and all perfection of workes that this is ye enuie of a man against his neighbour: this also is vanitie and vexation of spirit.
5 The foole foldeth his hands, and eateth vp his owne flesh.
6 Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.
7 Againe I returned, and sawe vanitie vnder the sunne.
8 There is one alone, and there is not a second, which hath neither sonne nor brother, yet is there none end of all his trauaile, neither can his eye be satisfied with riches: neither doeth he thinke, For whome doe I trauaile and defraude my soule of pleasure? this also is vanitie, and this is an euill trauaile.
9 Two are better then one: for they haue better wages for their labour.
10 For if they fal, the one wil lift vp his felow: but wo vnto him that is alone: for he falleth, and there is not a second to lift him vp.
11 Also if two sleepe together, then shall they haue heate: but to one how should there be heate?
12 And if one ouercome him, two shall stand against him: and a threefolde coard is not easily broken.
13 Better is a poore and wise childe, then an olde and foolish King, which will no more be admonished.
14 For out of the prison he commeth forth to reigne: when as he that is borne in his kingdome, is made poore.
15 I behelde all the liuing, which walke vnder the sunne, with the second childe, which shall stand vp in his place.
16 There is none ende of all the people, nor of all that were before them, and they that come after, shall not reioyce in him: surely this is also vanitie and vexation of spirit.
17 Take heede to thy foote when thou entrest into the House of God, and be more neere to heare then to giue the sacrifice of fooles: for they knowe not that they doe euil.