Matthew Henry Commentary Ecclesiastes 4:4-6

"Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind." — Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 (ASV)

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!