Matthew Henry Commentary Ecclesiastes 4

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 for themselves and for each other. Being thus harshly treated, men are tempted to hate and despise life.

But a good man, though badly off while in this world, has no cause to wish he had never been born, since he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy at last, forever happy. Ungodly men have most cause to wish for 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 in this world.

Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, including all who labor 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 of the handful, so that we may not lack necessities, but not grasp at both hands full, which would only create vexation of spirit. Moderate efforts and gains are best.

Ecclesiastes 4:7–8 Frequently, the more people have, the more they desire; and on this they are so intent that they get no enjoyment from what they possess. Selfishness is the cause of this evil. A selfish person cares for nobody; there is no one to take care of but themselves, yet they will scarcely allow necessary rest to themselves and the people they employ.

Such a person never thinks they have enough. They have enough for their calling, for their family, but they do not have enough for their eyes. Many are so set upon the world that in pursuit of it they deprive themselves, not only of the favor of God and eternal life, but also of the pleasures of this life. The distant relatives or strangers who inherit such a person's wealth never thank them.

Covetousness gathers strength by time and habit; people tottering on the brink of the grave grow more grasping and tight-fisted. Alas, and how often do we see people professing to be followers of Him who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, anxiously scraping money together and holding it fast, excusing themselves with commonplace talk about the necessity of care and the danger of extravagance!

Surely, he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In all things, union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together about the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises.

Then let us improve our opportunities for Christian fellowship. In these things, all is not vanity, though there will be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.

People are never at ease and satisfied for long; they are fond of change. This is nothing new. Princes see themselves slighted by those they have endeavored to oblige; this is vanity and vexation of spirit. But the willing servants of the Lord Jesus, our King, rejoice in Him alone, and they will love Him more and more for all eternity.