Ecclesiastes 4:4
Ecclesiastes 4:4 in Multiple Translations
I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
¶ 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.
Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
And I saw that the cause of all the work and of everything which is done well was man's envy of his neighbour. This again is to no purpose and a desire for wind.
I observed that every skill in work comes from competition with others. Once again this is hard to understand, like trying to hold on to the elusive wind.
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.
And I have seen all the labour, and all the benefit of the work, because for it a man is the envy of his neighbour. Even this [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.
Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Again, I considered all labor, and every right work, that for this a man is envied by his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Again I considered all the labours of men, and I remarked that their industries are exposed to the envy of their neighhour: so in this also there is vanity, and fruitless care.
I also thought about all the hard work that people do and the skills that they have. And I thought about how they compete with each other because they are envious of others, and I concluded that this also is something that is not accomplishing anything useful, like chasing the wind.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָאִ֨יתִֽי
אֲנִ֜י
אֶת
כָּל
עָמָ֗ל
וְ/אֵת֙
כָּל
כִּשְׁר֣וֹן
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
כִּ֛י
הִ֥יא
קִנְאַת
אִ֖ישׁ
מֵ/רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
גַּם
זֶ֥ה
הֶ֖בֶל
וּ/רְע֥וּת
רֽוּחַ
וְ/רָאִ֨יתִֽי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֜י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עָמָ֗ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כִּשְׁר֣וֹן
kishrôwn
H3788
skill
N-ms
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Art | N-ms
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
קִנְאַת
qinʼâh
H7068
jealousy
N-fs
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
longing
Conj | N-fs
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 4:4
וְ/רָאִ֨יתִֽי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֲנִ֜י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עָמָ֗ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
N-cs
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כִּשְׁר֣וֹן
kishrôwn
H3788
"skill"
N-ms
Skill or success, referring to something that is profitable or advantageous. It is used to describe equity, goodness, or what is right. This word is about achieving a good outcome or having a beneficial result.
Definition: 1) success, skill, profit 1a) skill 1b) success, profit
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: equity, good, right. See also: Ecclesiastes 2:21; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 5:10.
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
קִנְאַת
qinʼâh
H7068
"jealousy"
N-fs
This word refers to strong feelings of jealousy or envy, often related to romantic or spiritual passion. It can describe human emotions or God's zeal for His people, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ardour, zeal, jealousy 1a) ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband) 1a1) sexual passion 1b) ardour of zeal (of religious zeal) 1b1) of men for God 1b2) of men for the house of God 1b3) of God for his people 1c) ardour of anger 1c1) of men against adversaries 1c2) of God against men 1d) envy (of man) 1e) jealousy (resulting in the wrath of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal. See also: Numbers 5:14; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 69:10.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵ/רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
"longing"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a strong longing or striving after something, like a deep desire or craving. It is often translated as 'vexation' in the KJV. It conveys a sense of yearning or pursuit.
Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: re.ut (רְעוּ "pleasure" H7470)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:14; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 6:9.
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 4:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 4:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Context — The Evil of Oppression
2So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive.
3But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.
4I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. 6Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 3:12 | Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 1:14 | I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:26 | To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 2:21 | When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 18:29–30 | he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy. Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 18:14–16 | and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 18:8–9 | And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. |
| 8 | Matthew 27:18 | For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 6:9 | Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 10 | Proverbs 27:4 | Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? |
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Summary
This verse, Ecclesiastes 4:4, tells us that often, people work hard and try to be successful because they want to be better than those around them, which is not a godly motivation, as seen in Galatians 5:26. It's like trying to catch the wind - it's pointless and won't bring us lasting happiness, as stated in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Instead, we should focus on serving God and others, as taught in Mark 10:45, and find our fulfillment in Him, as promised in Psalm 16:11. By doing so, we can find true purpose and meaning in our work, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that all labor and success spring from a man's envy of his neighbor?
This means that people are often motivated to work hard and achieve success because they want to be better than or keep up with those around them, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:4, rather than being driven by a desire to serve God or others, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28.
Is it wrong to strive for success and labor hard?
While hard work is not inherently wrong, as seen in Proverbs 22:29, the motivation behind it is what matters; if our drive for success is rooted in envy or a desire for self-glory, it is futile, as stated in Ecclesiastes 4:4.
What does 'a pursuit of the wind' mean in this context?
This phrase, also found in Ecclesiastes 1:14 and 2:17, means that something is pointless or futile, like trying to catch the wind; in this case, laboring solely out of envy is a fruitless endeavor, as it will not bring lasting fulfillment or satisfaction, as promised in Jeremiah 2:13.
How can I know if my motivations for working hard are pure or rooted in envy?
Reflecting on your heart and intentions, as encouraged in Psalm 26:2, and considering whether your drive for success is to glorify God or to elevate yourself above others can help you discern your motivations; asking for wisdom from God, as instructed in James 1:5, is also crucial in this self-examination.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am driven by envy rather than a desire to serve God or others?
- How can I shift my focus from comparing myself to others to pursuing God's purposes for my life, as seen in Romans 12:2?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of contentment and satisfaction in my work, regardless of my level of success, as encouraged in Philippians 4:11-12?
- What does it mean for me to 'pursue the wind' in my own life, and how can I redirect my efforts towards more meaningful and eternal pursuits, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Again I considered all travail, and every right work,.... The pains that men take to do right works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:4
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Every right work; all the worthy designs and complete works of wise and virtuous men. Is envied of his neighbour; instead of that honour and recompence which he deserves, he meets with nothing but envy and obloquy, and many evil fruits thereof.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Ecclesiastes 4:4 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.Ver. 4. That for this a man is envied of his neighbour.] This is another piece of life’ s vanity; that, as greater men will lie heavy upon you and oppress you, so meaner men will be envying at you and oppose you: as Cain did Abel, Saul’ s courtiers did David; the peers of Persia, Daniel; the Scribes and Pharisees, our Saviour. Every Zopyrus shall be sure to have his Zoilus. The garment of righteousness, parti-coloured with all variety of graces, is a great eyesore to the wicked, and makes the saints maligned. See Proverbs 27:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
(4) Right work.—Rather, skilful. (See Note on Ecclesiastes 2:21.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Verse 4. For this a man is envied] It is not by injustice and wrong only that men suffer, but through envy also. For if a man act uprightly and properly in the world, he soon becomes the object of his neighbour's envy and calumny too. Therefore the encouragement to do good, to act an upright part, is very little. This constitutes a part of the vain and empty system of human life.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:4
4. I considered all travail, and every right work] The “right work,” as in ch. Ecclesiastes 2:21, is that which is dexterous and successful, without any marked reference to its moral character. Men exult in such work at the time, but they find it has the drawback of drawing on them the envy and ill-will of their less successful neighbours, and this therefore is also vanity and feeding on wind.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Every right work - Rather, every success in work. For this ... - i.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
4. A man is envied — Jealousy is here a more fitting term than envy, for envy relates to what is now in possession, jealousy to what is now in process of acquirement.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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Our Attitude Toward God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the emptiness of a life lived solely for material possessions and temporal things. He emphasizes the importance of living for Christ an |
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Envy by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a torment that gnaws at the soul and likening it to poison, a serpent, and a scourge. He emphasizes tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how Cain's sin of offering an unacceptable sacrifice to God led to him be |
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Sin Crouching at the Door by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the urgent need to address the issue of sin as a barrier to revival, emphasizing the importance of mastering sin through Christ. It explores the story of Ca |
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An Enemy in the Neighborhood by Warren Wiersbe | This sermon delves into the parable of the chairs in Matthew chapter 13, highlighting the dual sowers at work in the world - Jesus sowing good seed and Satan sowing counterfeits. I |
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The Truth Will Set You Free by John Piper | This sermon delves into the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus as the ultimate liberator, highlighting how various evasive measures like ethnicity, religion, and moral su |
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Stewardship - Part 3 by David Adams | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the legacy that Adam left to his sons, which was the instruction to approach unto God. He explains that this legacy was a result of Adam's fai |