Ecclesiastes 4:8
He is one, and he does not have a second: no son, no brother. And yet he does not cease to labor, nor are his eyes satisfied with wealth, nor does he reflect, saying: “For whom do I labor and cheat my soul of good things?” In this, too, is emptiness and a most burdensome affliction.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
In Context
7While considering this, I also discovered another vanity under the sun.
Cross References
Genesis 2:18The Lord God also said: “It is not good for the man to be alone. Let us make a helper for him similar to himself.”
Psalms 39:6You have accomplished your many wonders, O Lord my God, and there is no one similar to you in your thoughts. I have announced and I have spoken: they are multiplied beyond number.
Proverbs 27:20Hell and perdition are never filled; similarly the eyes of men are insatiable.
Ecclesiastes 1:13And I was determined in my mind to seek and to investigate wisely, concerning all that is done under the sun. God has given this very difficult task to the sons of men, so that they may be occupied by it.
Ecclesiastes 4:9Therefore, it is better for two to be together, than for one to be alone. For they have the advantage of their companionship.
Ecclesiastes 5:10Where there are many riches, there will also be many to consume these things. And how does it benefit the one who possesses, except that he discerns the wealth with his own eyes?
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 →