Ecclesiastes 4:6
One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
In Context
5The foolish man, folding his hands, takes the flesh of his body for food.
7Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.
Cross References
Proverbs 15:16Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great wealth together with trouble.
Proverbs 16:8Better is a little with righteousness, than great wealth with wrongdoing.
Ecclesiastes 1:14I have seen all the works which are done under the sun; all is to no purpose, and desire for wind.
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 4:5-7
The Prevalence of Oppression. 4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. 5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. 6 Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Here Solomon returns to the observation and consideration of the vanity and vexation of spirit that attend the business of this world, which he had spoken of before, ch. ii.… Read the whole commentary →