Ecclesiastes 4:5 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.”

Ecclesiastes 4:5

bookmark_border Save Verse

menu_book Verse in Context

Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

Yea, better {is he} than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

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. {every...: Heb. all the rightness of work} {for this...: Heb. this is the envy of a man from his neighbour}

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

Better {is} an handful {with} quietness, than both the hands full {with} travail and vexation of spirit.

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

Save your favorite verses, get AI-powered insights tailored to your life, and discover related scripture for your spiritual journey.

person_add Create Free Account library_books Explore Topics

From This Chapter

Ecclesiastes 4:1

"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of {such as were} oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors {there was} power; but they had no comforter. {side: Heb. hand}"

Ecclesiastes 4:2

"Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive."

Ecclesiastes 4:3

"Yea, better {is he} than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun."

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. {every...: Heb. all the rightness of work} {for this...: Heb. this is the envy of a man from his neighbour}"

Ecclesiastes 4:6

"Better {is} an handful {with} quietness, than both the hands full {with} travail and vexation of spirit."

Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.

Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.

shareShare Your Journey

menu_book Verse in Context

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

From This Chapter