Ecclesiastes 4:4–12

The Loneliness of Wealth

4 I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a man’s jealousy of his friend. g This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. h

5 The fool folds his arms i

and consumes his own flesh. j

6 Better one handful with rest

than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind. k

7 Again, I saw futility under the sun: 8 There is a person without a companion, l without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. m “So who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself from good?” This too is futile and a miserable task.

9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? n 12 And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.