41 Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun . And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power , but they had no one to comfort them. 2 So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living . 3 But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed , who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun .
4 I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor . This too is vanity and striving after wind . 5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh . 6 One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:1-6
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:1-3
(Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-3)
It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and to each other. Being thus hardly used, men are tempted to hate and despise life. But a good man, though badly off while in this world, cannot have cause to wish he had never been born, since he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy at last, for ever happy. Ungodly men have most cause to wish the continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins. If human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions here below.
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
(Read Ecclesiastes 4:4-6)
Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and whose efforts are crowned with success. They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Others, seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more satisfaction in sloth and idleness. But idleness is a sin that is its own punishment. Let us by honest industry lay hold on the handful, that we may not want necessaries, but not grasp at both hands full, which would only create vexation of spirit. Moderate pains and gains do best.