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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And yet, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> an handful <i>with</i> quietness, than both the hands full <i>with</i> travail and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Better a handful <i>with</i> quietness Than both hands full, <i>together with</i> toil and grasping for the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />One hand full of rest <i>and</i> patience is better than two fists full of labor and chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Yet a very little food eaten in peace is better than twice as much earned from overwork and chasing the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is an handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />One handful of peace and quiet is better than two handfuls of hard work and of trying to catch the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Maybe so, but it is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It's better to have one handful of tranquility than to have two handfuls of trouble and to chase after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than two handfuls [with] labor and distress of spirit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is a handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good a hand filled with rest, above two hands full of labor and striving of spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“A handful with rest is better than both hands filled with labors and with affliction of the soul.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better is one handful with tranquility than two with toil and a chase after wind! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a handful with quiet than two handfuls with toil, and a chasing after wind.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Better is a handful with quietness than both hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Better a handful in quiet than handfuls with toil and agitation of spirit<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is a handful of quietness, Than both the hands full of labour and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and waywardness of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=704" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">The Evil of Oppression</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better</a> <a href="/hebrew/4393.htm" title="4393: mə·lō (N-msc) -- Fullness, that which fills. Rarely mlowf; or mlow,; from male'; fulness.">one handful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: ḵap̄ (N-fsc) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5183.htm" title="5183: nā·ḥaṯ (N-fs) -- From nchath; a descent, i.e. Imposition, unfavorable or favorable; also, restfulness.">with tranquility</a> <a href="/hebrew/4393.htm" title="4393: mim·mə·lō (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Fullness, that which fills. Rarely mlowf; or mlow,; from male'; fulness.">than two handfuls</a> <a href="/hebrew/2651.htm" title="2651: ḥā·p̄ə·na·yim (N-md) -- The hollow of the hand. From an unused root of uncertain signification; a fist."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ā·māl (N-ms) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">with toil</a> <a href="/hebrew/7469.htm" title="7469: ū·rə·‘ūṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Longing, striving. Probably from ra'ah; a feeding upon, i.e. Grasping after.">and pursuit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">of the wind.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Again, I saw futility under the sun.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></span><br />Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-8</a></span><br />Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-12</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1</a></span><br />Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a></span><br />Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Psalm 127:2</a></span><br />In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">2 Corinthians 9:8</a></span><br />And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a></b></br> A little that a righteous man hath <i>is</i> better than the riches of many wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16,17</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Fists</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/72-16.htm">Handful</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Handfuls</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Quietness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-4.htm">Fists</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-12.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-22.htm">Handful</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-19.htm">Handfuls</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Quietness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-5.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">vanity is increased unto men by oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">by envy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">by idleness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">by covetousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">by solitariness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">by willfulness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better one handful with tranquility</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of contentment and peace over the relentless pursuit of material wealth. In the context of Ecclesiastes, the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, reflects on the futility of human endeavors without divine purpose. The "one handful" symbolizes a modest, sufficient amount, suggesting that a life of simplicity and satisfaction is preferable. This echoes the wisdom found in <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a>, "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil." The biblical principle here is that true peace and contentment come from a life aligned with God's will, rather than from the accumulation of possessions.<p><b>than two handfuls with toil</b><br>The "two handfuls" represent the excessive striving for more, which often leads to exhaustion and dissatisfaction. This reflects the human tendency to overreach in the pursuit of wealth and success, which can result in physical and spiritual weariness. The toil mentioned here is reminiscent of the curse of labor given to Adam in <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a>, highlighting the burdensome nature of work when it is disconnected from divine purpose. The New Testament also warns against the love of money in <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>, indicating that such pursuits can lead to ruin and destruction.<p><b>and pursuit of the wind.</b><br>"Pursuit of the wind" is a metaphor for chasing after something elusive and ultimately unattainable. This imagery is used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the vanity and meaninglessness of life when lived solely for earthly gains. The wind, being intangible and uncontrollable, symbolizes the futility of human efforts apart from God. This phrase serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly achievements and the importance of seeking eternal values. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure and everlasting, contrasting with the fleeting pursuits of this world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often attributed to him as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel serves as the backdrop for Solomon's writings. During Solomon's reign, Israel experienced a time of peace and prosperity, which provides context for his reflections on wealth and contentment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The term "Qoheleth" is often translated as "The Preacher" or "The Teacher" and is used to describe the author of Ecclesiastes. This figure is portrayed as a wise sage sharing insights on life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_contentment.htm">The Value of Contentment</a></b><br><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a> states, "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind." This highlights the importance of contentment and peace over the relentless pursuit of more. In a world driven by consumerism, this verse calls believers to find satisfaction in what they have and to prioritize peace over possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_endless_toil.htm">The Futility of Endless Toil</a></b><br>The phrase "pursuit of the wind" suggests the futility of endless striving. The original Hebrew word for "wind" (ruach) can also mean "spirit" or "breath," indicating something elusive and intangible. This teaches us that chasing after material gain without spiritual fulfillment is ultimately empty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_work_and_rest.htm">Balancing Work and Rest</a></b><br>This verse encourages a balance between work and rest. While diligence is important, it should not come at the cost of our peace and well-being. Christians are called to work diligently but also to rest in God's provision and trust in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_provision.htm">Trusting in God's Provision</a></b><br>The verse reminds believers to trust in God's provision rather than relying solely on their efforts. It encourages a reliance on God's wisdom and timing, knowing that He provides what is truly needed for a fulfilling life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_theme_of_house_of_bondage.htm">What does 'lead a quiet life' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_workaholism.htm">What does the Bible say about being a workaholic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'lead_a_quiet_life'_mean.htm">What does "lead a quiet life" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_4_5-6_align_with_proverbs.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 appears to favor quietness over hard work--how is this consistent with scriptures that commend diligence (e.g., Proverbs 6:6-8)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Better is a handful with quietness</span>; literally, <span class="accented">better a hand full of rest</span>. <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit</span>; literally, <span class="accented">than two hands full of travail</span>, <span class="accented">etc</span>. This verse, which has been variously interpreted, is most simply regarded as the fool's defense of his indolence, either expressed in his own words or fortified by a proverbial saying. One open hand full of quietness and rest is preferable to two closed hands full of toil and vain effort. The verse must not be taken as the writer's warning against sloth, which would be out of place here, but as enunciating a maxim against discontent and that restless activity which is never satisfied with moderate returns. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֕וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one handful</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4393.htm">Strong's 4393: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fullness, that which fills</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with tranquility</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֑חַת</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5183.htm">Strong's 5183: </a> </span><span class="str2">A descent, imposition, unfavorable, favorable, restfulness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than two handfuls</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמְּלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(mim·mə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4393.htm">Strong's 4393: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fullness, that which fills</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with toil</span><br /><span class="heb">עָמָ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·māl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pursuit</span><br /><span class="heb">וּרְע֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·rə·‘ūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7469.htm">Strong's 7469: </a> </span><span class="str2">A feeding upon, grasping after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wind.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֽוּחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is a handful with quietness than (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>