Ecclesiastes 4:6
But better is a handful of profit with quiet work 2 than two handfuls with the work that tries to shepherd the wind.
Unlocked Literal Bible
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 fool folds his hands and does not work, 2 so his food is his own flesh. 1
7Then I thought again about more futility, more vanishing vapor under the sun. 1
Cross References
Proverbs 15:16Better is little with the fear of Yahweh 1 than great treasure with confusion. 1
Proverbs 16:8Better is a little with what is right, 1 than a large income with injustice. 1
Ecclesiastes 1:14I have seen all the deeds that are done under the sun, and look, they all amount to vapor and chasing the wind. 1
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 →