Ecclesiastes 4:8
It is one who is by himself, without a second, and without son or brother; but there is no end to all his work, and he has never enough of wealth. For whom, then, am I working and keeping myself from pleasure? This again is to no purpose, and a bitter work.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
In Context
7Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.
9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work.
Cross References
Genesis 2:18And the Lord God said, It is not good for the man to be by himself: I will make one like himself as a help to him
Psalms 39:6\39:5\You have made my days no longer than a hand's measure; and my years are nothing in your eyes; truly, every man is but a breath. (Selah.)
Proverbs 27:20The underworld and Abaddon are never full, and the eyes of man have never enough.
Ecclesiastes 1:13And I gave my heart to searching out in wisdom all things which are done under heaven: it is a hard thing which God has put on the sons of men to do.
Ecclesiastes 4:9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work.
Ecclesiastes 5:10\5:11\When goods are increased, the number of those who take of them is increased; and what profit has the owner but to see them?
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 4:8-13
The Vanity of Human Wishes. 7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is… Read the whole commentary →